18/06/2014  Shatin  Race 1

LEELI’S STAR, which was fractious in the barriers, began awkwardly and then was checked shortly after the start when crowded for room between LYRIC ACE (T H So) which was taken out by CHINA GOOD which in turn was taken out by TRILLION TREASURE which shifted ground despite the efforts of its rider and FOREST COLOURS which shifted in after being bumped by GOLD PRECIOUS. In this incident, T H So became unbalanced in the saddle. After this incident, TRILLION TREASURE continued to hang out in the early stages. Before being allowed to race again, LEELI’S STAR will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. SPLENDID VICTORY, which was slow to begin and positioned between FOREST COLOURS and GOLD PRECIOUS, was also checked away from the heels of GOLD PRECIOUS when that horse shifted in. JUST GOOD was slow to begin. CHINA GOOD lost its left front plate in the early stages. CAPTAIN AMERICA lost its left hind plate passing the 900 Metres. Near the 600 Metres, FOREST COLOURS lost ground when reluctant to maintain its position between LEELI’S STAR and ISLAND SPRING. When questioned, W M Lai attributed the disappointing performance of LEELI’S STAR to the fact that the horse was very fractious in the barriers and then was required to race much further back in the field than had been intended as a result of being crowded for room at the start. He said because of this incident LEELI’S STAR was never balanced and despite being ridden along did not put itself into the race at any stage. A veterinary inspection of LEELI’S STAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of CHINA GOOD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LEELI’S STAR, ISLAND SPRING and GOLD PRECIOUS were sent for sampling.