Keep Number Two onside with eyecatching jockey booking

Tornado Twist
8.05 Sha Tin
2pts win

Tianchi Monster
9.10 Sha Tin
1pt win

Circuit Number Two
9.45 Sha Tin
2pts win

No race carries more prestige for local owners than the Group 1 Hong Kong Derby – to be run this year on March 17 – and it looks certain to feature more expensive imports than ever.

A clash of four-year-olds from different hemispheres always makes for lively analysis, and the trials beforehand can prove just as fascinating, as seen with Saturday’s Class 2 Beas River Handicap over a mile (9.45), the finale at Sha Tin.

Five Derby entries will contest the race, which for most will be a key stepping stone to the Classic.

The Tony Cruz-trained Circuit Number Two has not run since October but has reportedly been shaping well in his homework and, with Karis Teetan booked to ride, he is the selection to beat a strong field.

He has two wins from five runs in Hong Kong and prior to import won on both starts at Melbourne tracks. He remains an untapped talent.

His chief danger on Saturday is Enrichment, trained by John Size and to be ridden by Joe Moreira.

If the two horses appear a little friendly down at the start it should come as no surprise. They were stablemates in Australia when formerly trained by Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young at the provincial track Cranbourne.

That is not the only thing they have in common – they are also both by Teofilo, sire of Melbourne Cup winner Cross Counter.

Size and Moreira combine for more than their share of short-priced runners, but more often than not they reward their backers. Tornado Twist is in that category and should oblige in the Class 3 6f Pearce Memorial Challenge Cup (8.05).

He is a particularly progressive type who should continue his rapid climb through the ranks.

The other bet of note is Tianchi Monster in the Class 3 1m1f handicap (9.10). This fellow is a true stayer and should prove a handy ride for champion Zac Purton.

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