Flit can be mile champ
Master trainer Ivan Allan can add to his already impressive collection of silverware by landing the Champions Mile at Sha Tin today with his top-class galloper Self Flit.
There is no question the son of Cicerao is most effective over a mile at the big course, having captured the 2003 Classic Mile and competed so well when third behind Elegant Fashion in the Chairman's Trophy on Derby day five weeks ago.
Self Filt was inconvenienced by the yielding conditions when a distant 153/4 lengths behind Super Kid in the Stewards' Cup over the course and distance back in January and, barring that performance, he has an exceptional record over 1,600 metres. The conditions are expected to be closer to firm today, which should mean he produces his best. Anton Marcus should position him perfectly just behind stablemate Firebolt, the likely leader, and ensure he is the one to beat.
Firebolt has been competing admirably over the sprint distances this term but is a major risk over this journey. Allan's third entrant, Ho Choi, has proven a shade disappointing this term, his best effort coming back in November when he finished a short-head behind Lucky Owners over the course and distance in the International Mile Trial.
There were signs of improvement when he finished eighth to Elegant Fashion in the Chairman's Trophy and his only local win came this time last year so it may be worth keeping him safe.
John Size has a couple of excellent chances in Palette Natural (rated 110) and Super Kid (rated 123), both of whom have strong claims on recent form. The booking of champion jockey Douglas Whyte aboard highly consistent Palette Natural gives this horse added appeal. And he did beat Self Flit when second to Elegant Fashion in the Chairman's Trophy - far and away his best local performance.
The slight concern is that he has had three hard runs since then and is yet to win over this distance. Shane Dye climbs aboard Super Kid, who signaled that he was ready to show his worth when fourth behind Silent Witness last weekend in the Chairman's Sprint Prize (1,200 metres). It was an outstanding performance over a trip well short of his best. His rating is evidence he can win at this level, as he demonstrated earlier this year in the Stewards' Cup.
Size's Gem Of India finished a creditable fourth to Elegant Fashion in that key race on Derby day, but he had every chance on that occasion and it is hard to see him turning the tables on the horses who beat him. He has enjoyed a tremendous season having won twice and hit the frame on four other occasions and must be a chance for a minor placing at least.
Gem Of India and Figures have enjoyed a good rivalry this term and there is very little separating them. This will be Figures' first attempt over a mile, but he leaves the impression he will appreciate the step up in trip. He has been soundly beaten by Silent Witness - he's not alone there - in the final two legs of the sprint series but could sneak into the frame at value over a more suitable distance.
David Hayes-trained Meridian Star (rated 119) will relish a move back to 1,600 metres following a decent performance for seventh behind Silent Witness in the Chairman's Sprint Prize. However, his form has dropped away and others are preferred. Hayes has a better chance with Green Channel (rated 105), who has not had such an arduous season. This is his toughest test to date but he's in form and shouldn't be far away.
Three-year-old Stay Young (rated 101) has beaten Green Channel both times they have met, but meets him on much worse terms today. He is going to have his work cut out.
Tony Millard has opted to back up Blue Stitch quickly after a fair effort for ninth in the Audemars Piguet QE II Cup last weekend. This is much easier but his form has not been good enough to suggest he can threaten.
Given his rating (95), Tony Cruz's debutant Lucky Good Day has been thrown in at the deep end. The Argentinean import was a Group 2 winner over 1,800 metres in his homeland and has shown promise in his work and trials but this is a tall order.
