Tony Millard's smart Flying Unicorn is primed for a big season after he followed his impressive griffin record with a soft barrier trial win against more experienced opposition at Sha Tin yesterday.
The three-year-old son of former Hong Kong galloper and Australian stake winner Lucky Unicorn led up his 1,050m heat under a gentle ride by Douglas Whyte.
Starting from gate eight, Whyte pushed to get across to the rails and then maintained a solid cruising speed throughout.
Flying Unicorn ran into sprint star Bear Hero at his first two starts, finishing fourth and second up the Sha Tin straight. He followed that with another second over 1,200m before breaking through for an ultra-impressive 33/4-length victory over 1,400m in June.
It was Flying Unicorn's second trial this preparation, following on from an educational 1,200m jump-out at Happy Valley on September 10. At the smaller city track the raw youngster seemed a little lost early but settled down late as he chased back in the field.
Yesterday's trial confirmed the gelding races more comfortably in front and has the rare ability, for a young horse, to relax after mustering early speed.