SUNDAY'S SERENADE

1/9 (Dirt trial 1200m: Front-running, tracking in the lead, held position on the straight) ran well. On 21/8 (Dirt trial 1200m: Settled in a good position tracking the leaders), his running style was pleasing. This is the horse's first outing this season; two months ago, in a Sha Tin 1400m race on turf, he performed exceptionally well, tracking the leaders with a steady pace and gradually recovering ground in the final stages to finish as runner-up, beaten only two lengths. He has shown slight improvement after running two more trials. Moving back to a Happy Valley mile on turf this time with a two-pound weight allowance, he has won twice over this trip and his recent timing was respectable. His finishing kick still shows some advantage, and the jockey-trainer partnership remains smooth; he is being seriously prepared. Even if the circumstances aren't ideal, he should not be discounted.