Fresh is best for Classic Jewelleryand the John Size-trained five-year-old has the right handling and conditions to take out Wednesday night's Asian Racing Federation Trophy (1,650m) at Happy Valley.
The gelding has not run since March 5, when he should have finished closer to Smart Ball after being held up, and that was one of the series of unlucky runs for Classic Jewellery (Karis Teetan) at that time.
That break might be a concern with some horses, or some trainers, but Classic Jewellery has performed very well coming in fresh in the past and looks to get the right run under his very positive jockey.
From gate two, Fat Choy Hong Kong (Derek Leung Ka-chun) looks to find the rail early and Classic Jewellery may be quick enough to get to his outside unless Winnie's Horse (Vincent Ho Chak-yiu) andLucky Double Eight (Zac Purton) do not punch up early. That would be a nice spot, with Business As Usual then likely to press on towards the lead or sit outside Fat Choy Hong Kong if Leung decides to take it up.
It should give Classic Jewellery the right run trailing just one or two horses, from where he has always done his best work and he need only produce his true capabilities to go on and win.
For dangers, look to the bottom of the weights. Fat Choy Hong Kong has been racing well despite having some early work to do in his last two starts over the same trip from barrier eleven.
With his light weight rising in grade and a switch to gate two, where his run should be more relaxed, the Dennis Yip Chor-hong-trained five-year-old is overdue for a win and this looks a great opportunity. (www.racing.scmp.com)