The first-up win this season of GLORY STAR (de Sousa) for rookie trainer Jimmy Ting was quite incredible and on face value he seems a much-improved galloper. His victory that night rated the best performance on the card, which is highly unusual for a Class 5 event. So the rise in grade doesn’t cause any concern, or the wide gate as he has early speed and can make the running. He is a little one-paced so it would be ideal to see him lead at a reasonable tempo. MARVEL JOY (Bowman) had every chance when second to Curling Luxury over this course and distance and now after 18 starts this Hong Kong maiden has to be a risk, even though his recent form reads well his willingness (or lack thereof) to put his head in front is a major concern. However, he will probably place and pick up points for Bowman. The step-up to a mile is a bonus for C P POWER (Keane) who might also be able to settle a touch closer than he has been over the sprint distances. The first two runs this term of MICKEY RICH (Lemaire) were encouraging and he had clear excuses at his last outing when he was found to be lame after the race. The visor is removed this time and the little freshen between runs might be a positive as well. CLEAR CHOICE (Barzalona) made a mid-race move when he last competed and ultimately it was a disaster when he was left three-wide without cover. From that perspective, he was good in defeat and with a more conservative ride he looks to be the main danger to Glory Star.