HANDSOME BLOND

Three weeks ago, this horse performed poorly in a short Happy Valley sprint, slow out of the gates and running in the rear with an even pace throughout, gradually recovering ground in the final stages. In a subsequent run over 1200m on Sha Tin turf, his position was somewhat disadvantaged; he ran in the rear and lacked the finishing kick of his rivals. The jockey and trainer are not particularly well-matched, but he benefited from an advantageous draw and acceptable times, though no clear opportunity arose.