Despite Douglas Whyte jumping off to ride a rival, the John Size-trained John Dory looks the best banker as he drops to a perfect draw over his best trip in the middle leg of a super-tough Triple Trio at Sha Tin tomorrow.
Whyte partnered John Dory at his last start where he was forced to race wide and near-last after drawing wide, yet was rattling home late to finish fourth behind Zezao over the Sha Tin 1,400m.
The four-year-old hasn't been in great form this campaign, but that run showed some spark and Size has returned to the same course and distance seven days later.
With Whyte jumping on board opposition Lucky Nistelrooy, his regular replacement of late, Darren Beadman, takes the ride and gets the luxury of gate three.
Even though John Dory's best sectional (23.34s) was produced running on from a rearward position, the gelding has the ability to take a handy spot, which will help him with the rail in the 'C+3'.
John Dory seems to find the 1,200m too sharp and the mile a touch too far, so 1,400m is his go for now at least, with his solitary win and three of his four placings over the trip.