10/04/2022  Shatin  Race 9

SUCCESS FIGHTER shifted out at the start and bumped the hindquarters of MR VALIANT, causing both horses to become unbalanced and SUCCESS FIGHTER to lose ground. After travelling a short distance, READY TO WIN and ACE ONE were crowded for room between WAR WEAPON and WE ARE HERO which shifted in after being bumped on the hindquarters by ACE ONE. After initially being ridden along to obtain a forward position, BUZZINGA was steadied after the 1100 Metres to obtain cover when racing very wide. SUCCESS FIGHTER shifted in towards the running rail near the 900 Metres and became unbalanced of its own accord. Near the 750 Metres, READY TO WIN lost ground when checked as a result of being crowded for room inside BRILLIANT WAY which got its head on the side and shifted in away from MR VALIANT (B Shinn) which shifted in marginally when awkwardly placed close to the heels of PACKING TREADMILL. When READY TO WIN was checked, ACE ONE was badly hampered when crowded inside BUZZINGA. WAR WEAPON, which was following ACE ONE, was shifted out away from the heels of that horse in consequence. Whilst the Stewards were of the opinion that this incident was largely attributable to the racing manners of BRILLIANT WAY, nonetheless B Shinn was advised to ensure that, wherever possible, he leaves comfortable racing room for his fellow riders. Approaching the 500 Metres, BUZZINGA was taken wider by BRILLIANT WAY which shifted out away from the heels of MR VALIANT to obtain clear running. WE ARE HERO got its head on the side and lay out rounding the Home Turn. PHOENIX LIGHT had some difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. READY TO WIN was badly held up for clear running from on straightening until approaching the 300 Metres and passing the 300 Metres was shifted to the inside of PHOENIX LIGHT in an attempt to obtain clear running. After improving into very tight running inside PHOENIX LIGHT near the 250 Metres, READY TO WIN was checked when crowded for room inside PHOENIX LIGHT which improved into restricted running inside WE ARE HERO which, after getting its head on the side and laying out marginally, then shifted back in. This resulted in PHOENIX LIGHT also being hampered. PHOENIX LIGHT was then unable to obtain clear running until near the 50 Metres. READY TO WIN was also unable to obtain clear running for the remainder of the race and because of this was not able to be tested. Throughout the race, PACKING TREADMILL travelled wide and without cover. VOYAGE BUBBLE, BUZZINGA and BRILLIANT WAY were sent for sampling.