Shining Champion should prove one of the young horses crucial to John Size's championship hopes and the three-year-old's debut on Saturday suggested his contribution will be coming sooner than later.
He had shown good ability at the trials in New Zealand and got his act together quickly after arriving at Size's yard, too, and that is a good sign.
So much so that, although the trainer admitted Shining Champion had not been here long, Size was happy to take him to the races off just two barrier trials.
Showing good natural speed, he was always in the firing line in the race won by Incredible Fellow, looking a winning chance until his condition gave out in the final 50m and he just stuck on for the minor end of the placings.
Shining Champion is sure to improve when he next appears and if it is around a bend it is likely we will see him in an even better light. In his New Zealand trial, he certainly looked to have a quick turn of acceleration coming off a bend, an asset that wins races but is not always to the fore in Sha Tin 1,000m events, which can often be more about sustaining speed.
The times and spread of margins in this race suggested it was an above average Class Four, so Shining Champion is worth following, as is the winner, Incredible Fellow. This is despite the fact he had been given a deeper preparation for his debut and may not hold the same degree of improvement.
Likewise, the other straight race appeared better than the regular Class Three fare, with My Little Friend certain to win in the next grade off this performance and some handy efforts behind him.
That included a noteworthy debut from former Irish youngster, Glory Boy, who had the benefit of the faster ground on the outside fence, but there was plenty to like in his fourth placing. As a two-year-old, he won in Ireland over 1,400m at his second start, but was considered a prospect over further say reports.
So, with his inexperience, a lack of a recent race and the 1,000m all against him on Saturday, there is every reason to think that there is plenty of upside ahead for the gelding.
