It may come a run too late for London China Town's supporters last start, but the smart three-year-old should put the record straight by winning the Midland Holdings Cup (1,400m) at Sha Tin today.
The Manfred Man Ka-leung-trained gelding had everything made to order for 1,100m of the Chevalier Cup over the same course and distance last start, but the last 300m was a different matter.
Travelling well on the rail, he just needed room to let down but every opening that Douglas Whyte went for between the leaders that day slammed shut on him and London China Town was simply a good thing beaten behind High Point in the Class One feature.
He drops back to Class Two and climbs up in the weights as a result, but that won't be enough to stop London China Town from putting things right and taking out the main event.
A five-time winner in his first season of racing, mostly at 1,000m, the gelding's form leading up to that Chevalier Cup run had suggested that, with more maturity this term, 1,400m was exactly what he had been looking for and his performance backed that up.
He may not find the rail from barrier seven, but Whyte should take a nice trailing position just off the speed again. Ready made leaders in Deposer and No More Green should be coming across the field in the early stages, ensuring the speed is average at least, while Whyte relaxes London China Town ready to press the button at the 300m. Sparkling Power (Weichong Marwing) appears a serious danger to London China Town after finishing third in the same race behind High Point, though he had his chance that day in contrast to Whyte's ride.
