Lady the right Choice with Yuen up
ALL EYES will be on next season’s potential Classic Series contender Gold Patch who returns to the track after a two-month lay-off in the six-furlong Joy and Fun Handicap (1.10pm).
This son of Ardrossan has always been highly regarded in the Francis Lui stable, having won two of his four races and been given encouraging reports from his regular rider Zac Purton.
The New Zealand import did, however, suffer a set-back in May with a lameness issue, but then looked back on song with a smart trial win at the end of last month.
There is no doubt he looks a useful galloper in the making, but whether he will be cherry-ripe is open to debate and at his likely odds it could be wise to look elsewhere.
Top-weight Crossborderpegasus has a huge amount of talent but is becoming frustrating. His renowned slow starts have cost him on plenty of occasions, and he once again comes from an awkward gate in 12.
Both Aurora Patch and PI Legend have plenty of ability but have shown their best form on the all-weather surface, while progressive handicapper and last start winner Papaya Brose still looks inexperienced and should be a better horse next season.
The Michael Chang stable have had a season to forget, sitting at the bottom of the trainers’ table with a lowly 16 winners.
A lack of firepower with just 32 gallopers in the yard has always been a problem. However, having trained in the city for 20 years, he still knows how to train a winner and has a likely candidate in LADY’S CHOICE.
This six-times course and distance winner has failed to get his head in front this season but has had plenty of excuses with awkward draws and now finds himself 17 pounds lower from his opening mark of the season.
He did show he still retains his ability, when a close-up third to Chill Buddy over the course and distance last month, and importantly Chang has managed to book 10-pound claimer Nichola Yuen for the ride.
With 13 wins already in her first season, Yuen has become a favourite with regular racegoers and especially when she hares off in front in races.
If taking her allowance into account, Lady’s Choice is racing off a 19 pounds lower mark from his last win against better company last season. With gate one a major plus, he will never get a better chance of success.
POINTERS
Lady’s Choice 1.10pm Sha Tin