Cheung chases first win

Cambridge-based apprentice Ming Cheung is on the verge of his first win in New Zealand and it could happen at Arawa Park on Monday.

Cheung, from Hong Kong, is indentured to Shaune Ritchie and has shown promise.

His first raceday ride was for Ritchie's father, Frank, on Power Keeper at Pukekohe earlier this month and the result was a third. Cheung has had three other rides and his record now stands at three placings.

He will ride two members of Shane Crawford's team at the Rotorua meeting and particular interest will centre on the performance of Colorado Sun in the Pomare Electrical 1200.

Colorado Sun is one of five winners the Cambridge trainer has prepared in his relatively new training career and was considered good enough to run in the Group I Telecom NZ Derby at Ellerslie last March.

Though Colorado Sun beat only four home in the Derby won by Silent Achiever, he earned a start in the race with a win, three thirds and an eighth in the Avondale Guineas. He was turned out for a spell after the Derby.

He cleared maiden ranks second-up at New Plymouth last September over 1300 metres, suggesting in a fresh state he could sprint well in Monday's 1200-metre event. Either side of that win he was third, the debut result being over 1400 metres at Foxton and the latter placing being over 1200 at Te Rapa.

Colorado Sun faces Rating 65 company in Monday's assignment and his main opposition could come from impressive last-start winner Princess Leia, while recent Rotorua course winners Oh Em Gee and Rio Diva warrant respect. Also look for some improvement from Halo Pinheiro and Kash Up, while Star Of Reims could be one for longer odds.

SELECTIONS

12.53, BOP Punter Of The Year 1 Sept Tga 2200: Power Keeper, Del Mondo, Lippy.

1.20, Sweeney Townsend & Associates 2200: Headcase, D'Laro, Marven Downs.

2.03, Best Drycleaners 1560: Twointhebush, Beverley Beck, Rusta.

2.38, Townley Trenching & Electrical 1560: Hey Bruce, Shezaruler, Shelly Bee.

3.14, Escape To Rydges Rotorua 1200: Conrwin, Habbyaboutthat, Rich N' Roses.

3.50, Pomare Electrical 1200: Colorado Sun, Princess Leia, Rio Diva.

4.26, Leanersynd Stayers 1400: Elijah, Rock Express, So Keep Me.

Best bet: Power Keeper.

Best longshot: Dreams Unwind (r6).