Even though Flying Ibis was a dominant last-start winner, it was after some nervous moments and it's hard to imagine a horse that will appreciate a step up in distance more than Richard Gibson's three-year-old.
Flying Ibis will carry top weight in the Class Four Clarke Quay Handicap that forms the middle pin of Sunday's Triple Trip at Sha Tin, but he should relish the move from 1,200m to 1,400m and has drawn well.
Tim Clark returns from riding in Australia tomorrow to reunite with Flying Ibis, but hopefully he won't have to work as hard as he did when he rode the horse to his maiden victory.
After a strong debut when rattling home with fast final sectionals for fourth in a 1,000m race, Flying Ibis was sent out 3.3 favourite, even after drawing widest of the 14 runners.
Clark was hard at work shortly after they broke, with Flying Ibis tailed off last, off the bit and chasing through the first half of the race - even getting a smack before they turned for home.
Flying Ibis quickly rounded the field up in the straight, but an extra 200m and a slower tempo for him to find his feet will be appreciated this time, as will a better draw (five).
A lack of pace is a slight concern for a horse that looks like being a bona fide backmarker for now, but above Class Four quality can see him through. He will be peaking third up and seems to have the scope to go much higher in the ratings.
Clark is now in John Moore's sin bin, and with Neil Callan departing it seems jockeys' championship contender Zac Purton may have been granted a much-need opportunity on lower grade horses at the high-quality stable. Purton gets the ride on Maroon Prince, who stands out as second pick and can be considered as a double banker option.
Super Goal Elite (Brett Prebble) and Rocket Proud (Alvin Ng Ka-chun) aren't heading out of this grade in a hurry, but the pair's ability to sit handy will stand in their favour and they need to be considered. Safari Magic (Umberto Rispoli) is the other option.
The TT carries a healthy jackpot of more than $10 million, but you'll have to negotiate a Class Five minefield in the opening leg to collect a share of the prize.
At his best, Bullish Power (Matthew Chadwick) wins this, but relying on any of these characters as a banker is a risk. Spicy Siam (Purton) is probably the best bet thanks to the perfect draw and seemingly headed in the right direction after 16 winless starts.
Take Spicy Siam as a banker from Bullish Power and King Galileo (Vincent Ho Chak-yiu). After that it's a lucky dip with "buyer beware" signs on every runner. Perhaps Treasure Glitter (Olivier Doleuze) can be counted on for improvement with the blinkers off and a step up in trip.
In the final leg, Little Men (Douglas Whyte) continues to do things wrong at the start but he can carry top weight and make it back-to-back Class Four victories.
Even if he flops out the back again, he should still get the speed up front to help him reel in the leaders late and he looks a solid banker. The race has a long tail and it might pay to play narrow early if looking for the big prize.
Include Little Men with Approve (Weichong Marwing) and consider Sure Champ (Derek Leung Ka-chun), Global Fame (Chadwick), Mark Two (Clark) and Very Well (Dicky Lui Cheuk-yin).
TRACK STARS
RACE 1:
(2) Share Of Gold, (5) Bundle Of Joy, (8) Southern Springs, (11) Jade Christy.
RACE 2:
(3) Lovely Boy, (4) Tayside, (7) Pearl Win, (9) Real Champion.
RACE 3:
(1) Destined For Glory, (3) Go Baby Go, (5) Little Cow, (8) Fat Choy Hong Kong.
RACE 4:
(4) Fiery Patrol, (8) Dark Secret, (9) Medic Champion, (11) King Galileo.
RACE 5:
(1) Flying Ibis, (2) Fay Deep, (4) Safari Magic, (12) Good Times Roll.
RACE 6:
(1) Little Men, (2) Mark Two, (9) Mutual Delight, (13) Sure Champ.
RACE 7:
(1) Scarlet Camellia, (3) Familists, (5) Outdoor Pegasus, (6) Real Supreme.
RACE 8:
(3) Level Player, (4) Goodview Successor, (5) Turbo Jewellery, (14) Towering Storm.
RACE 9:
(3) Mentor, (4) Castle Hero, (11) Grimmy, (14) Lucky Scepter.
RACE 10:
(1) Flagship Shine, (4) Ho In One, (6) Vital Gold, (8) Polymer Win.
Read Michael Cox’s blog – Horse racing not alone when it comes to dirty tactics. Go to:http://www.scmp.com/author/michael-cox-0
