Joao Moreira might make an impact at the Stradbroke meeting in Brisbane on Saturday but it’s a magic-free zone at Sha Tin on Sunday and there seems to be no particular beneficiary from his suspension, with the Brazilian jockey’s most likely rides spread around a number of riders.
At the top of that list is John Size-trained Dr Listening, who caught the eye on debut flashing into second for local rider Vincent Ho but Moreira was probably due to take over this time until suspended and now Zac Purton gets a rare ride for the stable.
Dr Listening looks a likely warm favourite for the fourth race and the one to beat if he can improve his barrier manners.
Elsewhere Brett Prebble has taken over for Size on last-start dirt winner Diamond Friends, and Matthew Chadwick takes the reins on Grand Plus backing up from a good run last week.
Nash Rawiller landed a double on Thursday in his emerging new combination with trainer Danny Shum, but he picks up Momentum Lucky from Size in Moreira’s absence.
It won’t be Rawiller’s first experience of the horse though as he finished first and second on him in his first two starts before Moreira took the saddle.
Like this time last year, when Size had a powerful three-year-old team with Thewizardofoz, Amazing Kids, Eastern Express and Sun Jewellery, the top trainer has some tremendous young horses again going towards next season.
Mr Stunning probably heads that group but we saw one potential Derby horse in Love Shock last week, and he reproduces another in the final race.
Easy Hedge hasn’t been seen since he was the best of good things beaten over 1,800m in February at Sha Tin and he steps out again, same course and distance, for his return.
Unlike some potetial Derby hopes going forward, there is no question about Easy Hedge’s ability to stay so the 1800m after a three-month break is an interesting assignment choice.
By Nathan Mody
