HKJC World Pool Handicap Stakes

Second last time out and winless in his last five starts, Brian nonetheless holds our top rating among the 12 runners and arrives with distance and going experience to call on; the 86-day absence is the one query, but 140 lb from stall 2 sees him open to respect.

Winless in his last five starts, Star Anthem at least has experience of today's trip and going to call on, and 28 days between runs suggests he arrives fresh; the worry is that his recent form has been largely disappointing, making a step forward essential from stall one off 139 lb.

Korker has run over today's trip and going before, and a rating of 93 ranks him second of these — the main concern is that he has been winless in his last six starts, with an eighth most recently.

Ata Rangi landed a win three starts back but was well beaten last time out, and 42 days off the track plus a stiff 137 lb ask from stall 11 give pause, even if he does hold experience over today's distance and going.

Cape Ashizuri won three starts back and was second four starts back, but has been out of the frame in both runs since; he has run over today's trip and returns fit enough on 28 days, though 136 lb is a stern test for a horse ranked mid-field on ratings.