FRANCIS MEYNELL

On August 21st, he ran a dirt trial over 1200m (dirt trial 1200m: sectional times 10-10-7), ridden from the gate, accelerating early in the straight and tracking along the rail. This is his first start this season; two months ago, he ran a poor performance over 1400m on Sha Tin turf, where he was allowed to extend but faded in the closing stages. A recent trial did not show much improvement. Switching to a Happy Valley mile, this is his first attempt at this distance; the trip does not suit him well, and his finishing kick is slightly lacking. The jockey-trainer combination has not been ideal, but his early speed is sufficient to aggressively position himself, and the overall shape is not bad, making him worth keeping an eye on.