Followers look set for Wonderful Gains in bumper TT day
Wonderful Gains has displayed plenty of promise in his first three appearances and, with the addition of blinkers, he should be able to offset a wide barrier and open his account in the opening leg of Sunday's Triple Trio at Sha Tin.
With the TT failing to go off on a rain-soaked circuit last weekend, the main prize is expected to reach a whopping HK$33 million, and the opening leg appears to be the one that can be narrowed down, using Wonderful Gains as a banker.
The Manfred Man Ka-leung-trained gelding was unlucky not to win his first start after striking traffic problems, and he performed with merit at his only two other outings, despite being under pressure a fair way from home.
The three-year-old had blinkers added in a barrier trial on May 12, and travelled kindly in the run before posting a nose success over Mutual Gain, despite not being let off the bridle by Brett Prebble.
From the awkward alley, Douglas Whyte, who takes the ride from Prebble, will likely try to land in a position around midfield with cover, switch to the outside in the straight, and Wonderful Gains should be able to power over the top of his rivals.
His main danger, and an attractive double banker, is Sea Prince, who resumes after time on the sidelines due to a slight tendon injury.
The John Moore-trained gelding has displayed promise on more than one occasion and indicated he was coming along well for his return when closing off nicely for fifth in a barrier trial 10 days ago.
With the advantage of barrier three, he should secure a nice spot on the back of the speed and prove the toughest opposition for Wonderful Gains over the final stages.
Outside the duo, others worth including are Win-A-Lot, Cool Cat, Sevens Heaven and Matsukaze.
The middle leg is tough, but Massive Star is probably the safest banker option, despite having to overcome the outside alley. The Dennis Yip Chor-hong-trained gelding has been a model of consistency since switching to the all-weather track, should cross to make the speed and he will be the one to gun down in the straight.
Golden Ball looks set to be the big improver on the evidence of a nice trial last Friday, while Amazing Choice, Magic Temple, Sweet Baby and Best Noodle are all entitled to be included. In the final leg, old Dash Ahead fits the banker bill, despite failing to register a win in 13 months.
The Peter Ho Leung-trained gelding has hit the line well at his last three outings at Happy Valley, but he is clearly better suited returning to the roomier Sha Tin circuit.
The eight-year-old will likely settle in a rearward position, but should run home strongly.
His toughest opposition will come from Ming Hoi Treasure, trying 2,000m for the first time in his short career, Monte Cristo, The Goodies, Power Drifter and Give Well.
Standby riders have been declared for all mounts of jockey James Winks' as he prepares to head to Melbourne to attend the funeral of a family member.
Winks yesterday advised stewards the date and time of the funeral is still to be finalised. The Jockey Club ended up finding the middle ground - allowing Winks to retain his rides, despite the uncertainty of his participation on Sunday, while declaring standby riders for each of his mounts.
They are Forever Fortune (race two, Weichong Marwing), Sure Good (race four, Zac Purton), Royal Domain (race five, Brett Doyle), Glory Of India (race 10, Marwing) and Prime Score (race 11, Howard Cheng Yue-tin).
