Fownes's lads in good shape to end term in style
Caspar Fownes should have a good chance of adding to this seasons tally of wins - 37 - based on the manner in which a couple of his horses moved in the first of two all-weather barrier trials at Sha Tin yesterday.
Fownes won the opening heat with Shanghai Lad, an Australian import who arrived with decent form, including a second place in the Carbine Club Stakes (1,600 metres-Gr.3).
He has shown little potential from three local starts, but has far from disgraced on any of those runs. However, there is no doubt he has picked up the quality of his work.
Douglas Whyte had Shanghai Lad poised just behind the leader and stablemate Fifty Fifty but the grey gelding extended in the concluding stages to eventually score by one length.
He looks in better condition now and must be given due respect, should he compete before the end of the season.
Fifty Fifty (rated 96) has a superior rating by 16 points and worked very well. Fownes had applied the blinkers to Fifty Fifty, who travelled superbly under Corey Brown.
Jade Dancer went quite well and proved he has the ability to win on his current mark of 50.
Manfred Man Ka-leung took out the second heat with maiden Brilliant Win (rated 28), who led from start to finish and looks in good order.However, the one to note from the trial was Danny Shum Chap-shing's Golden Win.
Shane Dye had a vice-like grip on the Catbird colt and it was a highly impressive piece of work. He hasn't competed since finishing second to Captain Happy at Happy Valley back in December.
The long spell has made him even look much better.
He has shown the speed in his work and races to win over sprint distances but leaves the impression he might prove very competitive over further in time.
ONES TO NOTE:
Shanghai Lad, Golden Win.
