Something Special ready to strike
Something Special indicated he may finally have his career back on track with an excellent first-up performance and he should be able to break through in the opening leg of tomorrow night's Triple Trio at Happy Valley with the advantage of the prized inside alley.
The Tony Millard-trained gelding showed nice promise as a three-year-old, but did not quite live up to expectations last season, placing only twice in 11 appearances.
He resumed four weeks ago over 1,650 metres, was restrained from the outside alley to settle back in the field, but made a sweeping run around his rivals from the 500m. He came very wide in the straight and ran on well to finish a close-up fifth in a race dominated by the leader, but the performance showed his zest for racing was back.
The five-year-old, to be partnered for the first time by Darren Beadman, will be improved by that outing, appreciate the longer distance, and is well placed on his best form.
First Baby has looked good in his two starts this preparation and is an attractive double banker, while other worthy inclusions are Oasis Davis, Liverbird, Best Noodle and Breaking Point.
In the middle pin, Elite Fortune gets his chance to break through after coming up with an inside alley.
The Andy Leung Ting-wah-trained four-year-old turned in several good performances last season, and he ran on well from the tail of the field first-up in a race dominated by Able Dragon.
With the better barrier for Brett Doyle, it will be no surprise to see him take a closer position in the run and he strikes a winnable race.
His main danger and an obvious double banker is Electronic Master, who will be all the better for one run from a spell. He will appreciate the longer distance and is nicely drawn.
Mighty Sun, O'Reilly Magic and Tremendous Plus make up the remaining chances.
In the final leg, it is hard to go past G ood Strike on the back of an ultra- impressive win over the same course and distance three weeks ago.
The Almond Lee Yee-tat-trained gelding showed nice promise in his first campaign and made his rivals look second rate when resuming with an effortless victory.
He rises 10 pounds for the victory, but should secure a lovely spot on the back of the speed, and power over the top of his rivals again.
Go Fay Fay creates plenty of interest at his debut. The four-year-old won two of four in New Zealand, and scored a brilliant trial win back in April when leading all the way.
He has had three subsequent trials, but was given quiet times on each occasion. It will be no surprise to see him make the speed and take a lot of catching.
Others capable of figuring in the finish are Good To Go, Holey Dollar, Longwah Rising and Thunder Flash.
