JOYFUL FRIENDSHIP

On May 12th (dirt trial 1200m: 3-4-6), the horse maintained a steady pace but lacked an impressive final section. On April 11th (Conghua turf trial 1200m: 8-8-8), it was deliberately held back and not fully tested. On March 28th (Conghua turf trial 1200m: 9-10-10), the horse slowed down towards the finish, requiring further observation. On March 10th (Conghua turf trial 1000m: 7-6-4), a slow start was overcome with strong urging to make up ground and showed reasonable progress. On February 28th (Conghua turf trial 1200m: 10-10-10) it tracked the rail, focusing on clearing its airways. On December 10th (dirt trial 1200m: 6-5-9), the horse experienced epistaxis and trailed off. Prior to June, this horse ran well over a Happy Valley mile, with a slow jump and a trailing position but a strong finishing burst. Following a long break, it has undergone six trials without showing significant improvement. Another trial on Sha Tin turf over 1400m sees the horse receive a two-pound weight reduction. It has failed to win in four previous attempts at this distance. Drawing an outside barrier, a rearward position is anticipated. However, its finishing kick may not be strong enough against rivals and trainer/jockey combination hasn’t been ideal; despite acceptable work times with stablemates, the change to Luke Ferraris as jockey, known for controlling horses' pace, and gatework improvement are positives.