MONARCH COUNTY

On June 12th, a dirt trial over 1050m saw the horse deliberately held back and finishing with an automatic surge in the straight. Four weeks ago, it ran poorly over Sha Tin’s 1400m turf, slow to jump and settling towards the rear before making a mid-race move but failing to finish strongly. A recent barrier trial showed only average performance. Switching to Happy Valley over 1200m for its first attempt at this distance, it will carry seven pounds more this time, a distance considered unsuitable, and has drawn a poor barrier, creating a disadvantageous situation. Even if settling towards the rear, it possesses the strongest finishing kick in its group and should be assessed after one race.