Fleet-footed Winner can bring joy to Moore camp
John Moore and Douglas Whyte team up with last-start winner Joyful Winner, who can add to his tally in style at Sha Tin today by landing the Hong Kong Racehorse Owners Association Trophy over 1,600 metres.
The talented son of El Moxie defied a track bias when winning the Kam Shan Handicap (1,200m) on June 12 - on his second start in Hong Kong. He was virtually last when turning into the home straight and then showed an exciting turn of foot to score by three-quarters of a length.
Moore hasn't wasted any time in sending him around Sha Tin again, and a strong case can be made for him to prove highly competitive over the mile.
New Zealand import Joyful Winner never competed over this distance in his land of origin, but he was placed fifth over 2,100 metres in the Bonecrusher Stakes (Listed) and will not have any trouble with the distance today.
One of the main dangers is expected to come from the Caspar Fownes-trained Shanghai Lad on whom Douglas Whyte rode to victory in an all-weather barrier trial on June 14. His form lacks potency from three starts, but based on his work, he may be ready to deliver and show his true potential.
Tony Cruz and Felix Coetzee have each-way claims with Honey Money, who is holding his form well and must be rated a decent chance of figuring in the finish once again. He tackles stronger opposition this time, but shouldn't get too much pressure in search of a lead and if he is allowed to dictate the pace, will prove hard to run down.
Sean Woods has his yard firing on all cylinders and First Among Equals is hoping to maintain that trend.
The track bias didn't help his cause when third to Bobo Win over the course and distance earlier this month.
He will need his share of luck from the outside gate but has the quality to prove competitive on his current mark.
John Size's Mighty Hugo lost no admirers in defeat when second to Cheeky over the Happy Valley mile on Wednesday night.
He should get the dream trip from gate one but may have to settle for a minor place once again.
Danny Shum Chap-shing has applied the side winkers and tongue-tie to Classic Delight for the first time.
He worked well with the gear changes in an all-weather trial.
He would probably prefer more ground, and while he may find it hard to win, he should be storming home at the finish.
Probably the best value chance in this event is Circuit Kingdom, who meets better opposition but ran well in defeat last time when second to Regency Horse. He has an excellent course and distance record, and should strip fitter for his last run.
There could also be a shade of value about Dave's Best, who last won on a rating of 88 back in December and finds himself just one point higher in today's event. He showed a shade of improvement on his last run and is by no means the roughest chance to hit the frame.
Derek Cruz has applied side winkers to Sunbell, who is in good form. He is competitively weighted but that is offset by his poor draw (gate 12) and he might have reached his limit in the handicap.
There has to be serious doubts whether Valley specialist Engineering Wonder or Diligent will see out the journey strongly.
Sing Fay Fay and The King haven't proven as effective on the turf as they have on the dirt track, while Gift hasn't won in a long time and may need further relief in the handicap.
