SMILING EMPEROR

Seven days ago, in a race over the same distance, the horse’s performance was unremarkable. It jumped slowly and settled towards the back of the field, making a move in the middle stages but ultimately failing to close the gap. Racing again within two weeks, it needs to carry one pound more this time and has drawn a good barrier. The likely tactics are to settle back in the field, relying on a strong finishing kick; its current form is decent and should not be underestimated.