Ferraris should get a Fantastic Feeling
– South Africanborn David Ferraris has enjoyed his best season in Hong Kong for some time and should be able to add some silverware to the cabinet in The Manawatu Racing Club Challenge Trophy today where Fantastic Feeling should take all the beating.
This son of Show A Heart won his last outing over the 1200m at Happy Valley and received a fivepoint penalty for that.
But with Ferraris booking boom apprentice Matthew Poon for the ride, the penalty is negated and Fantastic Feeling has 3kg less to carry in the same grade following that win.
Admittedly, this will only be Poon’s second meeting riding at the city circuit but he is experienced enough to make the most of a favourable draw and considering this field is no stronger than what Fantastic Feeling faced on his last start, should prove very hard to beat.
One of the obvious dangers is Generous Heart who has managed to hit the frame on his last two starts which have both come over the course and distance.
However, Chad Schofield will have his work cut out from a wide draw and may have to cover ground or concede some in the early stages.
Nonetheless, he is good enough to figure in the finish along with Lucky Wan Feng who had excuses in defeat on his last couple of starts and could bounce back.
Wayfoong Vinnie wasn’t suited by the tempo on his last outing but his form prior was sound and if the pace is good enough then he too has claims.
Poon has a stellar book of rides and could easily add to his season tally in the seventh race, The Lantau Island Handicap with the Richard Gibson-trained Powermax.
He too is a last start winner and also carries 3kg less for his win over the course and distance. And even though Powermax has drawn awkwardly, he has the pace to work forward and is an uncomplicated ride.
This progressive son of Magnus hasn’t finished worse than fourth in his career and the booking of Poon should ensure he can keep his impressive stats intact. The main Swinger picks are Harrier Jet and Jolly Convergence. The former has a good record over the course and distance and will appreciate the move back to the city course, while Jolly Convergence is ready to win but the outside gate makes it very difficult to achieve for this run.
Poon also combines with Gibson in the second race with Planet Giant who is another bidding for back-to-back wins.
The value of his 4.5kg allowance cannot be understated, if not only for the genuine opportunities Poon is receiving including Planet Giant. He is fit and well, demolished a similar field three weeks ago and if able to hold anything like that sort of form should be winning again.