VIRTUOUS PHANTOM

On December 16th, this horse finished strongly in second place during a dirt trial over 1200m, making up ground after being left behind. On November 28th, he encountered crowding at the start of a 1200m dirt trial and was forced to settle back, showing some late momentum from the 300-meter mark. Previously on November 11th, during a 1200m dirt trial, he showed good early speed and finishing kick, with more focused running than in prior trials. On October 18th, over 1000m at Happy Valley turf, he maintained his position but still appeared inexperienced. Returning from a long break, this will be the horse’s first start of the season after four barrier trials demonstrating improvement. He'll debut on dirt over 1200m with a one-pound weight reduction; however, the distance is not considered ideal and the overall conditions are unfavorable despite drawing an inside barrier – it would be wise to observe this race before making further assessments.