Sky Walker can get TT players off to a flier
Sky Walker, who came to life with a win at his final start last season and has returned in equally sharp form this campaign, looks a top chance in the opening leg of tomorrow night's Triple Trio at Happy Valley after coming up with the prized gate one.
He stayed on well for third over 1,400m and fourth over 1,600m at his first two runs at Sha Tin under the guidance of Brett Doyle, but landed the knockout blow last start when making his first journey to the city track. Darren Beadman gave him a terrific ride to overcome gate 10 and settle in the perfect 'one-out-one-back' position before kicking away to score in style over the in-form pair of Sapelli, a last-start second behind Algarve, and High Intelligent.
Sky Walker will have a fridge on his back tomorrow, but should again enjoy the gun run from gate one, this time for stable jockey Johan Victoire.
Chater De Lago will again have to fade back from gate 11, but he has been rattling home nicely in his three outings. Of the others, Bobo Win, placed in his opening two runs over this course and distance, Tremendous Plus, Bulb Treasure, Record High and Supreme Gold are worth consideration.
True Intelligence has been knocking on the door in two of three runs - both on turf and dirt. He is backing up after short notice, but went forward from gate 11 and held on stubbornly to nearly upset short-priced Nuggets Warrior last Wednesday over this trip.
He was heavily punted late that night and his connections will be itching to go one better this time. Finn Maccool has a riding change, but has done little wrong with placings in his two runs over 1,200m, including a 3/4 length third behind Star Of Fame and rival Easy earlier this month over this trip and he looks reliable enough to act as a dual banker.
Others worth including are Easy, Longwah Rising, Cat Storm, Bejeweled and Kingifly.
In a tricky middle leg, Bondi Lad looks a logical banker play. The son of Bel Esprit will certainly come on for a front-running seventh - beaten 2 1/4 lengths - over the 1,200m when resuming, and will be hard to run down over his preferred 1,000m, a trip he managed a win and two seconds from as many starts last season.
Young Label was twice struck down lame last season, but is capable when right. He is a winner and three times second from five attempts, among them a final run second in June behind promising Always Something. If all is right, he can certainly figure in the finish.
Go Fay Fay, Shy Baldy, Good To Go, Team Work and Norman Invader are other possible chances.
