GANGNAM STAR

On 2/5, over a dirt trial of 1200m, the horse moved out on the bend but lacked an immediate response to urging. On 17/4, in another dirt trial over 1200m, it was urged from the 200m mark with limited improvement. Most recently, on 3/4 during a 1200m dirt trial, strong riding commenced without significant progress. A turf trial over 800m on 25/3 saw urging from the 400m but again showed little advancement. Two months ago, this horse ran a respectable race over Sha Tin’s 1400m, jumping slowly and settling towards the rear before making a mid-race effort and maintaining good ground. Following a brief spell, four barrier trials have been undertaken without notable performance improvement. This will be its debut over 1600m on turf; with a six-pound weight reduction despite the distance increase presenting an unfavorable scenario. While expected to settle towards the rear, it possesses the strongest finishing kick in the field and should be assessed after this run.