Chiong and Buddy could be the St George's punters’ friend

Clint Hutchison

– Young apprentice Kei Chiong has really flourished in recent weeks and has a great chance to land the silverware at Happy Valley today with Buddy Bundy in The St George’s Challenge Cup.

The speedy son of Al Maher put in a game performance over 1200m at the city course on his

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last start when leading to the 50m mark before being overhauled by Smart Declaration.

The key factor here is that with the claim, Buddy Bundy gets in 3kg better and given he is a relatively straight forward ride, he might prove very hard to catch back to the minimum trip with the apprentice on board.

Gavin Lerena rides the main danger, Mr Right, who has been holding his form exceptionally well this season over the 1000m at Happy Valley. He was stuck three-wide without cover last start and fought on quite well all things considered. Lerena is likely to land in the box seat this time from gate four and Mr Right has strong claims to continue his rise through the ranks.

A good case can be made for Flying Force, who was luckless in defeat last start when not tested in the home straight. He had clear excuses and Dougie Whyte should go pretty close to landing this event if he gets the breaks.

Of the remainder, Fortune Bobo and Diamond Master both have to overcome bad draws but has been in reasonable form and could fill a minor slot.

There is a good chance Tony Millard and David Ferraris could be fighting out the opening event with Medic Swordsman and Mr Vanilla looking a good Swinger bet. The former had a tough run last start when caught very wide throughout and from a decent draw this time Karis Teetan should have every chance to figure in the finish.

Mr Vanilla has the services of Joao Moreira this time, and looks a solid chance.

And Moreira appears to have a top chance in the other cup race on the card, The Victoria Racing Club Trophy (Race 4) with Got Fly.