An estimated HK$25 million Triple Trio pool is expected at Sha Tin on Sunday, and the Michael Chang Chun-wai-trained Speed Racer can do his bit for punters as a banker in the central leg of the exotic.
Speed Racer looks a good banker play in the Po Loi Handicap (1,600m) and, with 119 pounds and Jeff Lloyd on his back, the fast-finishing grey can continue his good season which already boasts two wins.
The Mull Of Kintyre gelding punched his way out of Class Five with back-to-back wins over this course, before being unlucky at his latest start when blocked for a clear run in the straight in the race won by New Vision.
Lloyd was unable to extricate Speed Racer from the pack that day and his five-year-old mount was left in a traffic jam at the critical moment but, with a more suitable wide draw this time, Lloyd should be able to choose exactly where and when he presses the accelerator.
The pair's big advantage lies with the drop in weight associated with the step in class and Speed Racer, who carried 132 pounds to his latest victory two starts back, now finds himself at the bottom of Class Four and capable of racking up a third win.
Speed Racer's versatility is also advantageous, and Lloyd has won on him from both on-speed and off-speed positions, giving the South African master a coupe of options, depending on how the horse jumps and the early pace of the event.