Seasons Bliss could be the key to collecting HK$60m Triple Trio dividend

Jimmy Ting Koon-ho’s smart three-year-old Seasons Bliss could be the key for punters trying to unlock a slice of the HK$37 million Triple Trio jackpot on offer at Sha Tin on Sunday.

The Jockey Club programmers have made the exotic as difficult to get as possible this weekend – as you would expect – with an even batch of horses assembled for all three legs plus the unknown of two first-starters wedged in the middle.

Most don’t have the option of throwing bulk cash at the jigsaw puzzle, so finding a banker or two is crucial to making it affordable.

Seasons Bliss looks the obvious selection in the opening leg after an eye-catching second last start.

The youngster has only had two starts but seems to have upside, as shown by his final 400m split of 22.11 seconds being almost half a second quicker than any of his rivals from the contest on May 8.

The step up to 1,400m should suit the son of Charm Spirit with Vincent Ho Chak-yiu to take the reins from the suspended Chad Schofield and he looks a strong chance of finishing in the top three jumping from barrier eight.

Things get slightly more challenging from there. Armor Star’s recent form isn’t flash but he’s down in class, has the services of Zac Purton and the inside alley.

Glenealy Generals and Star Of Wuyi have been pretty consistent but have to overcome double-digit draws while the likes of Mighty Power and Green Envy are capable and have good barriers.

Aaron Kwok’s horse Dancing Fighter sets new track record at Happy Valley

There are a few unknowns in the second leg with John Size’s first-starter See Bingo at the top of the list.

The three-year-old has had 10 trials – performing solidly in most of them – but has to overcome barrier 13.

The good news is See Bingo will be ridden by Joao Moreira, while he will also sport blinkers. Given Size’s recent record with his young horses, it would be wise to keep him safe.

Another who will wear the shades for the first time is the Tony Millard-trained Zacian, an improving type who is knocking on the door.

The four-year-old ran second last start, has drawn well in barrier six and should be in the mix again with jockey Matthew Chadwick coming off a double on Wednesday night.

You can make a case for another seven runners – Excellent Chariot, Jade Phoenix, Whiskey Neat, Copartner Ambition, Blissful Star, Tronic Mighty and Smart Wongchoy – which only makes the task more difficult.

But it’s not as hard as the final leg, the Class Three Piper’s Hill Handicap (2,000m), where it looks like there is only one horse – Enzemble – you could put a line through.

Tony Cruz’s California Ten probably starts favourite after two consecutive seconds with the Magic Man booked for the ride. He’s the safest play.

With Exultant’s career likely over, an era ends and Hong Kong racing turns to generation next

Celestial Power and Righteous Doctrine should appreciate the drop down in grade but the former has to overcome the outside alley, while Perfect To Great wouldn’t surprise with Neil Callan taking the ride in his first day back after his 15-meeting suspension.

If anyone manages to collect any portion of the estimated HK$60 million dividend, they will have earned it.

Comments