Noble Victory shows benefits of break

Peter Ng Bik-kuen's handy sprinter Noble Victory indicated he was getting back to his best when winning the second of two dirt barrier trials held at Sha Tin on Friday morning.

The speedy grey lost his form at the end of October and, following a poor effort in November, was put away for a mid-season break. The time off has clearly made a difference, and there was plenty to like about his effort when leading from start to finish in the all-weather trial over 1,200 metres. He looks in good order and as we head toward the rainy season, he could be one to keep on the safe side as he relishes cut in the ground.

In the same trial, Dennis Yip Chor-hong's Gold Sandfield was noted making late ground under Gerald Mosse. This fellow was well beaten on his local debut when finishing last behind Goodwood over 1,400 metres on December 20. That run can be forgiven as he was kept wide all the way and had not impressed in his work beforehand. He has picked up markedly since then, and his work in general has been much better. He came home nicely in this trial, and is worth keeping on the safe side when he next appears.

Francis Lui Kin-wai's maiden Clang's Pride has not run since the end of November but indicated he has come back in good order this preparation with a fast-finishing fourth in the same trial.

It confirmed a nice performance in a dirt trial on January 16 and indicates he is primed to run well when he next appears.

Caspar Fownes' speed machine Paobridge went to the line strongly when winning the first heat of the morning, timed in a slick 1:11.2. He has picked up the quality of his work and will prove competitive should he find a suitable event at the city circuit.

Similarly, Ricky Yiu Poon-fie's Grandway Shuttle was never let off the bridle by Glyn Schofield and was travelling sweetly throughout.

In other work, Tony Millard's International Sale purchase Zhi You Spirit, a son of Bianconi, worked particularly well on the riverside on Thursday. He showed plenty of zest under Anthony Delpech and looks one to keep a closer watch on when he trials again.

Ones To Note: Noble Victory, Gold Sandfield