A kinder draw makes last-start winner and likely improver Mr Ginger the best banker in the middle leg of Sunday's Triple Trio at Sha Tin.
Mr Ginger won impressively first-up, his second start, despite being his own worst enemy, Zac Purton earning every bit of his riding percentage as he nursed the unbalanced four-year-old around the home turn and after straightening.
The Danny Shum Chap-shing-trained sprinter stayed in Class Three with a six-point ratings rise, but there looked to be more than six points improvement just by eradicating the raw tendency to change stride.
Also in Mr Ginger's favour is barrier four, with Purton having to bustle his mount out of the gates last time to take up a handy position. This time he shouldn't be working near as hard to take a similar spot in the run.
Biggest danger and another banker option is Sudden Thunder (Matthew Chadwick), who returned from a long break with a tough run last time out. He is up in grade, with the resultant light weight and a favourable draw.
The Peak (Douglas Whyte) didn't cope with barrier eight and 130 pounds last start, so gate 12 and 133 pounds doesn't sound appealing, at least on a win line - but with any luck, he will in the money.
Apollo Cavalier (Howard Cheng Yue-tin) is a parade ring menace, with some major temperamental problems, but is starting to threaten of his low mark.
Usually it is a Class Five that causes chaos for casual TT players, but the Group Two Premier Bowl, forming the final leg, is as hard to find a banker in as any race this season.
Class and consistency make Captain Sweet (Brett Prebble) the nominal favourite - and banker if you need one - but barrier 10 and 133 pounds are real concerns, especially in a race renowned for upset results.
Maybe narrowing it down to four or five selection, without a banker, is the smarter play.
One that fits the profile of a bolter down in the weights is El Zonda (Chadwick), who will be assisted by what should be a solid tempo and gate three.
Able Speed (Gerald Mosse) seems well placed in this race, and maybe Arrived Ahead (Ben So Tik-hung) can be given another chance.
Flying Colours (Whyte) may not be up to the quality of some of these, but down in the weights from gate two, he could threaten for a place.
In the opening leg, bank Jolly Victor (Richard Fourie) - a four-year-old by Zabeel who had two runs last term but should be ready to hit his straps. His first trial compared favourably with subsequent winner Garlic Boy.
Blinkers for Cool Bean (Vincent Ho Chak-yiu) should help, and Able Magic (Jackie Tong Chi-kit) goes in with barrier two and bottom weight. Approve (Prebble) is desperate for the step up in trip and he has barrier 12, yet his ability make him an option.
TRACK STARS
RACE 1:
(2) Fabulous November, (3) All My Glory, (4) Dragon Keeper, (5) Maroon Prince.
RACE 2:
(2) Dapper Boy, (4) Danewin Tiger, (10) Packing De Lago, (12) How Speedy.
RACE 3:
(2) Alp's Glory, (4) Winner Smart, (5) Epee De Hua, (14) Polygold.
RACE 4:
(1) Goldland Dancer, (5) Towering Storm, (7) Riyadh, (10) Empire City.
RACE 5:
(1) The Fast Lane, (2) Twin Turbo, (4) Jolly Victor, (7) Ambassadorship.
RACE 6:
(1) The Peak, (8) Shantaraam, (12) Sudden Thunder, (14) Tarrega.
RACE 7:
(1) Captain Sweet, (3) Aashiq, (4) Flying Blue, (10) Cerise Cherry.
RACE 8:
(4) Helene Fun Star, (5) Green Eagle, (11) Supreme Winner, (12) Calling With Love.
RACE 9:
(2) California Memory, (3) Glorious Days, (6) Irian, (9) Fay Fay.
RACE 10:
(2) Racing Hero, (7) Green Manner, (9) Garlic Boy, (13) Common Goal.
RACE 11:
(1) President Lincoln, (4) Beauty Lead, (10) G-One Winning, (11) Genki Twins.
Read Michael Cox's blog - Roll out the red carpet for Frankie. Go to: http://www.scmp.com/author/michael-cox-0
