Holmes Legend has become more versatile since he struck form for Chris So Wai-yin this season and that tactical ability could prove his winning edge in the Cricket Club Valley Stakes (1,800m) at Happy Valley tonight, reports Racing Post (HK).
Holmes Legend (Douglas Whyte) joined So as a Hong Kong maiden but put together victories in February and March around the city circuit, one of them a model for what might happen tonight.
That was Holmes Legend's first success, when Whyte rode him from barrier eight in a race without speed. The Durban Demon seized the nettle and went up to sit outside the leader in what was a sprint from the 400m, which won him the race.
Tonight's trophy race doesn't hold the promise of much speed, with only Emperor Claudius a regular going forward in his races. He likes to have the rail next to him and, from gate four, it seems logical that he would come out and cross to the front without a lot of pressure.
Horses like Medallist (Joao Moreira), Ambitious Champion (Karis Teetan) and Ambassadorship (Hugh Bowman) will be looking for positions in touch, without actually wanting the front, and are drawn well enough to slot in behind Emperor Claudius. But, as the runner with a modicum of tactical speed who is not well drawn, Holmes Legend may be the one who keeps rolling forward or risk being stuck high and dry.
The difference is that Holmes Legend has 130 pounds in the saddle, not the 117 he carried in February, so Whyte may not be keen to use the horse, but that weight won't be any easier to carry sitting wide or giving away a big start.