Trainer Michael Chang Chun-wai has again nursed First Among Equals back from injury and if history is any guide, the talented gelding can return to his best in the Cumberland Handicap (1,400m).
The seven-year-old suffered an injury to his near-fore suspensory ligament in September 2005 but after two excellent performances he was able to return to his best at his third run back.
The same injury occurred a year ago but the signs have been positive that the Tale Of The Cat gelding can yet again reward his patient connections, significantly at his third run back from being on the sidelines.
He resumed on November 3 and indicated he was coming to hand well when staying on strongly behind Slow Waltz before rising in class last start and working home well in the final stages to be beaten just over three lengths by Sunny Power.
The two runs are sure to have First Among Equals at his peak and with a return to Class Two he looks a terrific chance to score at a value price.
The main stumbling block for First Among Equals will be the promising Express Win on the evidence to two excellent local performances.
The Catbird gelding showed terrific promise as a juvenile in Australia when winning three races and he returned the following season to place at Group Three level in the Up And Coming Stakes at Randwick.