FORZA TORO

(Happy Valley turf trial 1200m on 8/5: started slightly slow, maintained pace in the straight. From Sha Tin turf trial 800m on 27/4: slow to jump out, slightly chased near the finish. Five weeks ago in the same race, performance was excellent; although slow to leave the starting gates and settled behind, it accelerated in the middle section and pressed two lengths in the straight to finish as runner-up, narrowly beaten. After two more barrier trials, the recent runs look promising. Timings are not bad; if adopting a stalking style, its late-race closing speed is the strongest in the group. It ranks among the highest-rated horses for this race, and the jockey/trainer combination is well-matched. However, with an additional two pounds to carry in this race and a record of five consecutive losses, the form doesn't align perfectly, but it remains a key contender.)