Champion trainer John Moore opens the defence of his title today at Sha Tin, questioning whether he can go back-to-back but sticking with what proved to be a winning change of formula last season.
Until last year, Moore was the trainer to beat on opening day, regularly had runners in every race, and doubles and trebles were not unusual on the day they bang the gong.
But he saddled up only four runners in 2010 on the way to the title and will have only have three starters today.
'It is a combination of factors, but it's something we have done deliberately,' Moore said. 'The break between seasons is much shorter now and the training tracks only re-opened on August 1, so it doesn't give them much time. [Jockey] Darren Beadman and I thought a better plan was to take our time through September and set our sights on the season from October 1.'
Moore said that having pushed many of the yard's horses right to the end of the season to win a hard-fought title race over Tony Cruz had contributed as well.
'They were squeezed right up to win if they could, and I think they'll be better for having a bit more of a break,' he said. 'Having said that, the horses I do have in - Smart Giant, First In Command and Sea Prince - did race right to the finish of the season, so they haven't taken much to have them fit to race again.
'Smart Giant has come on from his trial, and I have high hopes for him this season. Hopefully, we can pick up a win to open the campaign, but our team will really get going in a few weeks.'
