Consistent five-year-old Noble Alpha has done little wrong in some good company and the Michael Chang Chun-wai-trained gelding gets the set-up he needs to take out the Hong Kong Macau Trophy (1,400m) at Sha Tin today. Jacky Tong Chi-kit did nothing wrong when he replaced the injured Brett Prebble on Noble Alpha when he finished third to Bullish Champion last start, but Prebble's return is a bonus for the gelding and the Australian rider has struck up a good relationship with him. In four rides,
Consistent five-year-old Noble Alpha has done little wrong in some good company and the Michael Chang Chun-wai-trained gelding gets the set-up he needs to take out the Hong Kong Macau Trophy (1,400m) at Sha Tin today. Jacky Tong Chi-kit did nothing wrong when he replaced the injured Brett Prebble on Noble Alpha when he finished third to Bullish Champion last start, but Prebble's return is a bonus for the gelding and the Australian rider has struck up a good relationship with him.
In four rides, Prebble has won once and not missed the first four placings in the other attempts, and he has the ideal draw to bounce Noble Alpha into the box-seat from gate two.
Viva Pronto (Luis Corrales) was an upset winner of this race when he led all the way in 2010, and still has plenty of speed, judging by his latest 1,200m win at Taipa when he was able to cross the field from a wider draw.
With gate one, expect to see him bounce out looking for the front and Prebble will be quite happy to let him go and park behind him before launching his challenge from the 300m mark.
Crown Witness (Douglas Whyte) looks the other main speed runner and, while he may not want to get into a dogfight with the Macau horse, this pair and Macau's other form runner, Good Uncle, should ensure a worthwhile tempo.
That is ideal for Noble Alpha, as he can get keen when the tempo is not genuine, and leave him poised behind the leaders on straightening and ready to strike.
from www.racing.scmp.com