The Tony Cruz-trained Mega Champion has forged an excellent record over the Happy Valley 1,650m and looks the horse to beat in the Hong Kong Club Challenge Cup over the trip tonight.In his early days, Mega Champion (Douglas Whyte) looked to have some real limitations to his future but, since he started doing more of his racing over the extended mile at the Valley, the gelding has found a niche and a record.His last seven starts have been there and have produced three wins and two seconds, and ev

The Tony Cruz-trained Mega Champion has forged an excellent record over the Happy Valley 1,650m and looks the horse to beat in the Hong Kong Club Challenge Cup over the trip tonight.

In his early days, Mega Champion (Douglas Whyte) looked to have some real limitations to his future but, since he started doing more of his racing over the extended mile at the Valley, the gelding has found a niche and a record.

His last seven starts have been there and have produced three wins and two seconds, and even put the five-year-old stallion into the forefront of the 1010 Million Challenge with 36 points.

Of course, his stablemate Cape Canaveral is probably away and gone for that prize with 63 points, but another victory would put Mega Champion on 51 points and at least with an outside shot at the title.

Tonight's trophy event looks to have some good speed, with Horse Aplenty, Jumbo Gold, Zachary, Dashing Fortune, Gamekeepers and Spirit Soaring all likely to be looking for forward positions, whether or not they actually want the lead.

Mega Champion has been at his best tucked in off the pace and that looks his scenario this time, somewhere in midfield and with a worthwhile tempo to run at over the final stages. The John Size-trained Gamekeepers (Keith Yeung Ming-lun) handled his first attempt at 1,650m quite well behind Galaxy Prancer, despite jumping from gate 10.

This time he has barrier three and that should allow Yeung to position him as he likes depending on the speed and give the gelding a soft trip to help him run out the distance strongly.

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