Destined For Glory didn't measure up in Group One company last time out, but a return to a Class One handicap can see him back to winning form in the ATV Cup (1,600m) at Sha Tin this afternoon.
Stepping up to 2,000m in the QE II Cup, Destined For Glory overraced and failed to finish off, but that failure might have laid the foundation for the John Moore-trained gelding to be a tougher nut to crack. Destined For Glory (Brett Prebble) has shown an inclination to be keen in his races. However, having had the run at the longer trip might see him more relaxed coming back to 1,600m.
That was the scenario two runs ago in Class Two when Destined For Glory pulled too hard in the lead over 1,800m at Happy Valley at his prior outing and failed as favourite. Reverting to 1,600m on April 9 at Sha Tin, the four-year-old was more relaxed and unwound a brilliant finishing sprint under Jeff Lloyd and 129 pounds to beat Fat Choy Oohlala, despite getting little help from a fairly soft tempo.
And Fat Choy Oohlala did nothing to sour that form when he trotted up next time out.
While connections were disappointed Destined For Glory didn't get a start in the Derby, his best two efforts have been over this trip, and he will drop to a handicap of 119 pounds even with Prebble putting up a pound overweight.
In a small field, the tempo again looks less than generous with Sight Winner and Admiration (Darren Beadman) looking the most likely forward runners, so Destined For Glory's ability to quicken off a moderate tempo can prove a winning edge if Prebble can get him to drop his head for the first half of the race.