TIME TO FIRE

Having undergone a turf trial over 1200m at Conghua on January 12th (sections: 7-7-4), the horse jumped slightly slow but responded well to prompting and finished steadily. Eight weeks ago, it displayed strong form in a Sha Tin mile race, jumping slowly but finishing with fast sections in the later stages after settling towards the rear. Following a short break, a recent barrier trial didn't impress. Another turf trial over 1400m was completed, this time carrying a two-pound weight reduction. However, it has failed to win in three previous attempts at this distance and drew an outside barrier. The plan is to settle towards the rear again, but finishing kick may not be sufficient against its rivals; the overall shape of the race isn't ideal. Encouragingly, section times were good amongst its group, and trainer-jockey relationship appears solid, suggesting it has enough ability to win.