08/10/2016  Shatin  Race 3

Whilst in the Parade Ring, CLEVER SPIRIT had its right front plate refitted. CLEVER SPIRIT was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. GAME OF FUN was crowded for room on jumping between SOARING WYVERN which shifted in marginally and SIGHT SEEING which began awkwardly and shifted out. SPICY KAKA began awkwardly and shortly after the start was bumped by FLYING PROSPERITY. From the outside barriers, FUN MANAGER and CLEVER SPIRIT were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 1150 Metres, FLYING PROSPERITY got its head up when being shifted in across the heels of EVERYONE’S CHOICE. Near the 1000 Metres, EVERYONE’S CHOICE got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of KINGSTON JUMBO. Making the first turn after the 900 Metres, EVERYONE’S CHOICE lost ground when crowded for room between KINGSTON JUMBO and FLYING PROSPERITY which, when racing greenly, shifted out. EASY TOUCH lay out in the middle stages and rounding the Home Turn. Passing the 300 Metres, FUN MANAGER was shifted in away from the heels of EVERYONE’S CHOICE which shifted out marginally under pressure. Over the concluding stages, SIGHT SEEING and SPICY KAKA raced tight. In the Straight, SOARING WYVERN hung out and proved difficult to ride and passing the 100 Metres shifted out and bumped GAME OF FUN. When questioned regarding the improved performance of EASY TOUCH, Trainer C S Shum stated that in a number of its starts leading up to today’s race, the horse had raced greenly and hung out. He said the horse’s racing manners had been slowly improving as it matures and he felt that today, EASY TOUCH had raced more tractably. He said however that the principal reason for the improved performance, in his view, was that EASY TOUCH was able to obtain the lead on the rail. He said in the races prior to this event most of the horses that had placed had been positioned on the rail and he felt that this was an advantage, therefore he instructed the rider of EASY TOUCH to ensure that he was able to obtain the rail if at all possible. SIGHT SEEING, EASY TOUCH and CLEVER SPIRIT were sent for sampling.