Thrills in store for Piggott ride
TRAINER Ivan Allan is locked into a winning streak at the moment and topweight All Thrills should keep the run going in the fourth event at Sha Tin tomorrow.
With Lester Piggott taking over from Frankie F. C. Lor the odds may be relatively skinny but the New Zealand import does look a must for Double Trio supporters.
There is a full field of 14 involved in the first leg of the bet, a Class Three event over 1,600 metres and there is little doubt that All Thrills should have won last time out.
He went under by the minimum margin but the engagement of Piggott should ensure that this time around he gets every possible assistance from on top. His only two Hongkong runs have been over 1,400 metres but the step up in distance is unlikely to be a problem.
All Thrills looks to be a progressive type and it will be interesting to see if Piggott adopts the front-running tactics so fruitfully employed on So Easy last week.
Although All Thrills appeals as a banker for the popular bet, there are dangers aplenty in this interesting race and due note should be taken of another important riding change.
The territory's leading rider, Tony Cruz, takes over on Unmasked for trainer Wong Tang-ping, replacing claimer Vicki C. W. Choi who rode the horse when he finished an eye-catching fifth last time out.
A stronger ride might well have seen him closer and Unmasked looks ready to give a real account of himself here, particularly as his work since the run has been impressive.
And improvement can also be expected from the John Moore-trained Should Run For Me who finished third at his debut after being up on the pace and hitting the front soon after they straightened.
Should Run For Me looks an obvious chance here if he is held up and there is no reason to suppose that he would not see out the mile. He looks a very worthwhile type and should be thereabouts.
Conversely, last-start winner Face The Odds may find it harder with a rise of seven pounds and in company that looks stronger than last time.
Winning Stallion is the other place chance here, given his run last time where he was not always seen to advantage. His fourth placing was achieved with a late run and he could go closer tomorrow with the extra distance in his favour.
Innovation was given a perfect ride by Darren Gauci last time to snatch victory on the line over 1,800 metres and he backs up over the same trip in the featured Sandown Park Cup, second leg of the Double Trio.
Drawn extremely wide (13), Innovation is certain to be value for money and can run into the frame which is what we require from a DT banker.
Topweight Sound Print will be all the rage and he will certainly appreciate the step back up to 1,800 metres.
It would be ridiculous to rule him out but ardent trackwatchers were less than impressed by his workout yesterday. Again, the Derby winner is in the position of giving away weight all round.
Motivation and Swept Away also make appeal, although both are coming back in distance.
Swept Away must be one of the most improved horses in training - and exciting with it. He has shown a dazzling change of pace, hallmark of a good horse, and has won handily over 1,800 metres earlier this season.
A fine race certainly looks in prospect.