Sha Tin is pleasant these mornings with an autumnal coolness that is decidedly refreshing. And it's even better when you can spot a winner or two from the trials.
There were five grass trials yesterday, four of them down the straight course and one from the mile start, and at least two of the winners stood out. One was Hunting Lad, from the stable of David Hayes, and the other a newcomer from the David Hill yard, the unnamed A003.
In Hunting Lad's trial, down the straight course, there was ample evidence to show that the smart griffin from last year, Rebel Leader, had trained on and is a likely to be a major player in races this season.
Rebel Leader is owned by banking tycoon Mike Caddy who was on hand to watch his pride and joy finish a length and a quarter behind Hunting Lad. But he had come from 10th to fly home for second in a quality trial.
The Derek Cruz-trained Marshall Spirit was a head away in third spot and this is another handy-looking conveyance.
But Hunting Lad, with apprentice Howard Y. T. Cheng aboard, took the major end of the honours. He broke with three behind him and on settling was still seventh in the full field of 14. Just after halfway Cheng started to make ground.
He came charging through to take it up close home and, while the winning time of 58.9 seconds was the slowest of the morning, don't let that fool you. This was a solid display and Hunting Lad is going to win his races.
