SMART AVENUE

On September 27th, this horse completed a barrier trial over 1700m at Happy Valley (sections: 8-9-9-4), showing a nice finishing effort while conserving energy. On September 16th, in a dirt trial over 1200m (sections: 5-5-6), the horse was urged strongly and ran consistently. Prior to that, on August 30th, a turf trial over 1000m saw sections of 11-11-5, with a late surge after an initial slow start. Returning from a lengthy spell, this is the horse’s seasonal debut. Three trials have been completed with no standout performances observed. The horse has dropped 26 pounds in weight and will now race on Sha Tin turf over 1400m for the first time. He enters this race without any additional weight and appears suited to this distance, requiring a hold-up strategy to utilize its strong finishing kick—the strongest in the field. The barrier draw is favourable, and the jockey has some understanding of the horse’s capabilities; last-minute gate work suggests potential as an outsider.