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Woods's dirt specialist shows his fighting spirit

Inclement weather and the rain-affected state of the all-weather track resulted in a number of runners being withdrawn from the only trial yesterday, but that didn't prevent the Sean Woods-trained Bold Fighter again showing his liking for the artificial surface.

Alex Lai Hoi-wing steered the son of Mind Games home in the respectable time of 1:10.7 in the six-runner heat.

Bold Fighter, an effortless winner in Class Four on this surface recently, looks fit and well and although the track condition was far from ideal, he had no problems stretching out to the line.

Eddie Lai Wai-ming rode out Evergreen vigorously in the final 100 metres to get within a short-head of Bold Fighter. This fellow has progressed nicely since May 6 trial and is definitely working far better than his current form suggests. There wasn't much else to get excited about from the balance of this field.

But in general work, John Moore's Whatabob worked nicely on Thursday when galloping over 800m alongside Royal Falcon. The British import clocked a final 400m in 24.8 seconds and was hard held on the bridle, while looking in magnificent order.

Stablemate Shadow Knight also looks in terrific shape following an improved run at Happy Valley on May 11. He was given a steady gallop over 800m, clocking 56.7 seconds, but showed a little more zest than he has in the past. He displayed gradual improvement in his work and looks one to keep safe in a suitable event before the season is out.

Tony Cruz's Better Boy and Honey Money worked with flying colours on Thursday. Better Boy continues to work like a horse who should be competing in the top class and the fact that Cruz still has him in full work at this stage of the season suggests there may be one more race in him before the end of the term.

Similarly, Honey Money looks an absolute treat and remains at the top of his game, even though he's been on the go all season.

Andy Leung Ting-wah's Foursquare confirmed a decent effort when finishing second to Romantic Winner on May 11 trial over the minimum trip at Happy Valley. He looks a little sharper in his work and should run a bold race next-up.

ONES TO NOTE:

Bold Winner, Shadow Knight,

Better Boy.

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