LOCH TAY

On 19/9, the horse ran a Happy Valley turf trial over 1700m (2-2-2-2), holding its ground and tracking strongly, with a steady pace. However, the horse's mouth lacked stability. On 4/9, in a Sha Tin turf trial over 1200m (4-4-6), the horse's running style was unrefined, and it struggled in the straight. Returning after a long layoff to race early this season, his last run in April over 2000m on Sha Tin turf was good; he ran well and had decent late speed, finishing only two and a half lengths behind. After two subsequent trial runs, there has been slight improvement. Now stepping up in class to race on the dirt over a mile, he carries 18 pounds less this time. This course has seen him win twice before, and the setup appears suitable; his early speed is enough to challenge actively. His form continues to improve, although the time figures are slightly weaker and his late acceleration is somewhat lacking; however, it might not be without merit despite the jockey/trainer relationship not being perfectly aligned.