Last season's stable of 10 horses to follow had its share of successes as well as disappointments, with a combined 19 wins from the team, including star performers Fay Fay and Eagle Regiment, who ascended through the grades to Group One-winning status. This season we again look past some of the more obvious up-and-comers and towards some of those in the middle and lower levels with scope for improvement:
DANCE FOR GOLD (N207)
Trainer: Caspar Fownes
Rating: 69
Failed in final run as a three-year-old at odds-on when looking comfortable in deteriorating ground over 1,400m, but had already announced his status as highly promising with big wins at 1,000m and 1,200m in Class Four. Should comfortably make his way into Class Two.
MI SAVVY (N138)
Trainer: Richard Gibson
Rating: 73
Had plenty of improvement available as a three-year-old, despite two wins and two seconds from five runs, as his racing manners were not impeccable. With natural improvement, he should climb to the upper reaches of Class Two.
WINDICATOR STAR (N233)
Trainer: Caspar Fownes
Rating: 71
Two impressive Melbourne wins stamped him as a nice prospect at three, buthe failed to fire in two local runs. He didn't look acclimatised and had some injury issues in April which didn't help. Starts the season off a nice rating for a horse who belongs closer to triple figures.
IT HAS TO BE YOU (N356)
Trainer: John Size
Rating: 85
Only seen twice at the back of last season after arriving from New Zealand and made a good impression winning on the final day over 1,400m. Looked open to further improvement and his breeding and manner suggest he will be better as his distances are stretched. Expect him to make his way into the good four-year-old races in 2013.
MAGNUMOUS (N251)
Trainer: Tony Cruz
Rating: 68
One for outside the box. Arrived with three wins from six starts as a French juvenile and a rating of 85 last season. French two-year-old form isn't usually over strong, so it looked a questionable starting mark and Magnumous didn't look acclimatised anyway when he flopped in five runs. Gelded in July, has dropped deep into Class Four and may be an improver.
OWNERS' PRIDE (N044)
Trainer: Danny Shum Chap-shing
Rating: 59
Looked above average in New Zealand trials on wet ground before winning debut here on firm going in July over 1,200m in a Class Four which looked well above average. Big, strong son of Barely A Moment and might get as far as 1,600m with racing but looks headed higher in the ratings in any case.
GARLIC BOY (N287)
Trainer: Dennis Yip Chor-hong
Rating: 52
Well supported in only run when fourth behind Owners' Pride in July in strong times and didn't have everything go his way in that race. Better for a summer on his back and breeding suggests he will get a little farther than short sprints.
TUXEDO (M344)
Trainer: John Size
Rating: 82
Well-anticipated winner on debut then had excuses as runner-up to Best Eleven, giving him six pounds. Underwent surgery soon after to remove a bone chip from his right knee, then didn't miss a beat when he returned to work later in the season. Best Eleven is now rated 105 and a Group horse for the season ahead, which augurs well for Tuxedo's prospects if Size gets him back in top shape.
SEA DIAMOND (N237)
Trainer: John Moore
Rating: 77
Another turning four this season who won three from five last term on ability alone and looked far from the finished article. That went against him when stepped up to 1,600m at his last run, but he should cope with that distance better as a strong horse this campaign.
RED COURAGE (N110)
Trainer: John Size
Rating: 65
Rising four-year-old by Marju, whose progeny have a long history of thriving in the Hong Kong environment. Looked honest rather than exceptional as a griffin, winning one and placed three times at sprint courses, but gave the distinct impression he would be better with more time and his starting point towards the bottom of Class Three this season gives him good upward scope.
