GOLDEN FRIENDSHIP

Three weeks ago (3/4), during a dirt trial over 1200m, the horse showed a strong late surge, closing the gap on the leaders. Six weeks prior, it ran at Happy Valley over 1200m with an unsatisfactory performance; it led early, quickened in the middle stages but faded towards the finish, finishing sixth beaten three lengths. A subsequent barrier trial showed slight improvement. Now switching to a dirt track over 1200m for its first attempt at this distance, the horse benefits from a three-pound weight reduction despite an unfavorable course and trainer/jockey combination. The advantageous barrier draw and jockey's growing understanding of the horse’s ability suggest it could be competitive.