SMILING EMPEROR

Four weeks ago over the same distance, the horse performed respectably, settling in a good position tracking the leaders and making a move in the middle stages. However, it couldn’t sustain the effort to the finish, finishing second by half a length – a narrow defeat demonstrating high quality. Stepping up in class for this race with an 18-pound weight reduction, it boasts decent times within its group and draws a reasonable barrier. The tactics will be to settle towards the back of the field, but its finishing kick is unlikely to match those of its rivals, making its chances unfavorable and suggesting a likely trailing finish.