Prognosis Looks Up In QEII Cup

Prognosis stretching out enthusiastically on the Sha Tin turf track on April 23. The Japanese contender will attempt to go one better in the Group 1 FWD Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2,000m) on April 27 after two consecutive seconds in the past two renewals of the Champions Day feature.

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RACE 1 (1,800M)

2 Beauty Viva had a go at Class 4 last time and was well-supported into favourite. He mapped against the race shape but still ran on well into fifth. He has trialled well.

3 Oriental Smoke will map perfectly from barrier 3 and has been threatening to win since returning to Class 4. He comes out of the same race as Beauty Viva, where he closed off nicely for third.

1 Matsu Victor also comes through that race, finishing a head away in second. With Joao Moreira in the plate, his chances look strong.

5 Volcanic Spark draws perfectly in barrier 4 with James McDonald engaged to ride. Back to 1,800m from 2,000m suits his chances.

RACE 2 (1,200M)

3 Top Throne was a luckless fourth on debut, where he raced wide without cover but showed plenty of promise. He broke through stylishly, looking like a horse going places.

8 Diriya draws perfectly in barrier 1 for his debut and his trials have been encouraging. Zac Purton in the saddle only boosts confidence.

11 Runjeet caught the eye on debut when given a quiet time out the back before closing strongly late. He has trialled well between runs up on the pace. Second-up improvement is expected.

2 Parterre always warrants respect in this class as a three-time winner in the grade. He can go close under Moreira's guidance.

RACE 3 (1,400M)

1 Super Express remains the one to beat after winning with plenty in hand at this course and distance on debut for the John Size stable, backing up a series of impressive barrier trials. He should only improve with more racing.

5 Monarch County looks to have turned a corner and has improved since stepping up to 1,400m. He broke through stylishly last time and has trialled well between runs.

2 Super Love backed up his maiden win on his second start with a closing third to Crossborderpegasus after being slow away. A promising trial in between suggests he will enjoy the extra ground.