FORTUNATE SON

Two weeks ago (1200m dirt trial: 8-8-6), the horse tracked the pace steadily and performed moderately. Four weeks ago over the same distance, it ran poorly, jumping slowly and settling towards the back of the field. The pace was even throughout with a flat performance, but it wasn’t beaten far, losing by three and a half lengths. A recent barrier trial showed it struggling to keep up with the pace. The current form is unpromising, with a poor draw and lacking a strong late surge; the trainer-jockey combination is not ideal. However, it has two wins at this distance and reasonable time figures suggest some potential remains.