This is a good race to play into with my assessment being quite different to the market, and I’m happy to outlay accordingly. KINGS SHIELD’S only run on this all-weather surface was outstanding and the American-bred galloper on the dirt looks the goods to me. His second-up run this preparation over 1000m on the turf at Sha Tin was a lot better than looks given they clocked 55.16! He will be hard to beat. However, ELITE PATCH, to me has been looking for the mile and this Japanese galloper, who is a dirt specialist, might be able to cause an upset. His recent trial was very good and off that, in conjunction with my distance theory, I’m happy to have something on him. If there is rain about and being on-pace is suited, then Kings Shield and BUDDIES might make more appeal. Buddies has been in good form irrespective of surface. The other runner that could inject some value particularly if playing exotics is RED DESERT. Most will think that the mile is too far for him, and it might be, but I have seen plenty of horses on this particular surface that might look suspect at seeing out longer than a sprint journey only to prove many wrong. The winning chances don’t end there, it is a very competitive race, but I’m happy to outlay primarily on Kings Shield and Elite Patch.