From RACING POST HKThe Tony Cruz-trained Best Eleven did something few horses ever do in a Hong Kong season and won six races last term, and his tactical abilities should make him the one to beat again first-up in the Egret Handicap (1,400m) at Sha Tin.For most horses, it is tough to come off a season like that and keep the momentum going as they move into the high grades, so this race might go some way to indicating if Best Eleven (Weichong Marwing) can handle that and become one of our better

From RACING POST HK

The Tony Cruz-trained Best Eleven did something few horses ever do in a Hong Kong season and won six races last term, and his tactical abilities should make him the one to beat again first-up in the Egret Handicap (1,400m) at Sha Tin.

For most horses, it is tough to come off a season like that and keep the momentum going as they move into the high grades, so this race might go some way to indicating if Best Eleven (Weichong Marwing) can handle that and become one of our better sprinters in the season ahead. He tackles 1,400m for the first time, but he was looking in need of it by the end of his three-year-old campaign, just appearing a touch dour at the finish of 1,200m and grinding away rather than dashing.

Once upon a time, the leader here would have been obvious, Beauty Flash (Douglas Whyte), and maybe fresh from the summer break the chestnut can find some of his old speed.

However, his early pace fell away almost as badly as his form at the back end of last season as injury issues took their toll and recent trials haven't been very encouraging. If Beauty Flash is lacking the pace to lead, the role may fall to lightly-weighted Happy Guys or Fulfil A Wish .

Whatever takes place, from gate one Best Eleven should have no trouble box seating or even taking up the front himself, if that is what's wanted Marwing will have all the options and most of Best Eleven's win have been from the front.

Toughest among his dangers look to be Silver Grecian (Brett Prebble) and the well-handicapped Chater Way (Richard Fourie).

Chater Way's record shows he doesn't have as many good days as a horse with his ability should but some of his best days are when fresh and that gives him the chance of an upset.

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