MUST GO

On December 22nd, the horse completed a dirt trial over 1200m in sections of 3-4-6, tracking the leaders but finishing weakly. Five weeks ago, over the same distance, it ran satisfactorily, jumping slowly and settling towards the rear before making progress in the middle stages with a strong run. A recent barrier trial showed it struggling to keep up with the pace. This race features a six-pound weight reduction; despite having five wins from eighteen starts at this distance and good times within its group, drawing an inside barrier is offset by needing to settle towards the rear. However, its finishing kick isn’t as strong as rivals, making its prospects uncertain and suggesting it may need to be held up early on.