It might take some Joao Moreira magic from a tricky draw, but Star Majestic should be in the first three tomorrow at Sha Tin and stands out as banker in the final leg of the Triple Trio.
Trainer Paul O'Sullivan has turned to the Magic Man to replace suspended jockey Howard Cheng Yue-tin in the 1,400m Class Four.
Cheng was stuck wide last start, over the same course and distance, and then surged forward to sit one off and challenge for the lead. Remarkably, despite the tough run, Star Majestic nearly won anyway, just edged out by outsider Sempiternal.
Star Majestic is the classic Class Four "consistent without winning" type that can even find themselves in the bottom of Class Three off a string of placings.
Still, a bit more luck and he could easily have won his way out of the grade, and a similar effort as last start with Moreira aboard for the first time should see him break through.
The biggest danger and alternative banker is Benno Yung Tin-pang's Mark Two, who has attracted the services of Zac Purton as the six-year-old finally draws a gate.
After drawing 11, 13, and 11 in three starts so far this term, he will start close to favourite after coming up with gate four.
Next two in and prospective bankers are Tom's Charm (Brett Prebble) and Beauty Journey (Alvin Ng Ka-chun), both coming off solid last-start placings over the course and distance. Tom's Charm was third on debut after 14 trials for trainer John Size.
Dennis Yip Chor-hong brings Genuine Champion back to where his form has been solid at Sha Tin and he gets the services of in-form Frenchman Gerald Mosse.
He was pushed to lead last start before fading over 1,650m at Happy Valley and might be better suited in a less hustle-and-bustle contest like this one.
In an intriguing opening leg, a 1,200m Class Four, Purton gets the help of another good draw on Island Garden.
He is first-up and will perhaps be better over 1,400m or even a mile, but three trials have him ready for a forward showing and barrier three is perfect.
Grace Heart (Vincent Ho Chak-yiu) could jump favourite after his win in a restricted race on debut, but a wide draw makes him a risk stepping out against open age company.
The three-year-old was impressive first-up, but drew advantageously next to the grandstand rail down the straight and this time Ho has to deal with barrier 11 first time on the circle.
He looks progressive and has to go in, along with Multi-Win General (Mosse) and Lucky Day (Neil Callan).
Michael Chang Chun-wai's debutante Brilliant Monkeys (Douglas Whyte) is a tricky one - he has obvious ability, but two trials might not be enough to have him ready to win. He was slow away and raced greenly in his first trial and overraced in his second outing.
The 1,600m Class Four middle leg is by far the most difficult to sort out, but the step up in trip should suit Ascension (Whyte) and he seems a decent standout in a very even contest.
Take him ahead of Happy Centenary (Alex Lai Hoi-wing), Amazing Always (Karis Teetan) and Sempiternal (Jacky Tong-Chi-kit).
