#6 Gustosisimo only had two starts last season and performed reasonably well on each occasion, though his second-up run came with a built-in excuse due to mucus in the trachea. Now under the care of Tony Cruz, he seems to have come on over the off-season, and improvement is expected. #5 Kyrus Dragon broke through for his first local win in his final run of last season. He remains a horse with further potential, and Zac Purton taking the ride from barrier 2 stands him as a key contender. #7 Sweet Briar has struggled to win in Class 3 from 11 starts in the grade without success, but his chances are boosted by drawing barrier 1. #8 Young Arrow continues to make progress with each run in Hong Kong after arriving from Singapore, and his last-start third to Brave Star suggests he’s trending in the right direction for this contest.