MATTERS MOST

20/8 (Zhonghua dirt trial 1200m: 1-1-1) tracked along the rail and led to the finish. This is his first start this season; two months ago, he ran poorly over 1200m on Sha Tin turf, tracking near the front but weakening in the final stages. A trial run showed slight improvement. Returning to Happy Valley turf over 1200m, he carries an extra eight pounds this time. He has lost all five starts in this series; his late drive was somewhat inferior, and the jockey-trainer combination hasn't shown anything outstanding. His advantage lies in his propensity to take the lead and drawing a good barrier, but high expectations should be tempered.