Trainer Ricky Yiu Poon-fai hasn't had much luck with the six-year-old so far, but he will be hoping to make the third time a charm with Strong Foundation at Happy Valley tonight in the Middle Bay Handicap (1,650m), reports the Racing Post in Hong Kong.
Strong Foundation (Brett Prebble) joined the Yiu stable in the latter part of last season, just two starts after winning over tonight's course and distance for Caspar Fownes, so he walked in with some good form.
And the gelding might have gone on with the job for his new handler but for some bad luck getting clear in the home straight at both runs for the yard.
In June, Strong Foundation looked terribly unlucky behind Horse Of Fortune when he was shuffled out of the race at a vital stage, then closed off well when he did get some room. At his most recent effort, Strong Foundation again had a great run through the race over 1,800m from barrier one but didn't get the right run through when it was needed and Flying Chaparral just lasted to beat him in July.
Prebble takes over tonight and he was aboard in a nice trial from the horse on August 29 at Sha Tin, working to the line nicely behind the placings. Strong Foundation has shown he is much better suited by the kinder surface at Happy Valley and has the tactical ability to make use of another good draw.
The race is not devoid of leaders but, unless Sempiternal (Jacky Tong Chi-kit) and Speedy Longwah (Neil Callan) get involved in some kind of face off up front, it might not have that much actual pace. So on-pace runners look favoured and Strong Foundation should be right there one-out and one-back ready to issue his challenge.