06/11/2016  Shatin  Race 5

BUMBLE BABY began only fairly and then was bumped by GAINFULJET which shifted out. As the start was effected, ACE KING lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently was slow to begin. This resulted in ACE KING racing towards the rear of the field. AUTOPAY began awkwardly and then was steadied away from the heels of HAPPY GAINS which shifted out. HAPPY GAINS lost its right front plate on jumping. Approaching and passing the 600 Metres, AUTOPAY commenced to race ungenerously and lay out. Then passing the 300 Metres, AUTOPAY again got its head on the side and lay in under pressure. AUTOPAY was unable to obtain clear running for some distance approaching and passing the 100 Metres. For some distance passing the 600 Metres, ACE KING commenced to prove very difficult to settle and was awkwardly placed outside the heels of ART OF SUCCESS. Then after the 500 Metres, ACE KING was badly held up for clear running when continuing to travel keenly. Approaching and passing the 200 Metres, ACE KING was again steadied when disappointed for running between GLORY HORSIE and BUMBLE BABY. ACE KING was then directed in away from the heels of BUMBLE BABY to obtain clear running. Approaching and passing the 400 Metres and again near the 300 Metres, STARLIGHT raced tight outside HAPPY GAINS. Then after obtaining clear running outside HAPPY GAINS, STARLIGHT commenced to finish off the race well, however, was checked away from the heels of HAPPY SOUND passing the 100 Metres. STARLIGHT was then unable to obtain clear running for the remainder of the race and was not able to be tested. Close to the finishing line, HAPPY GAINS was awkwardly placed outside the heels of PEACE COMBINATION which was taken out by BUMBLE BABY. When questioned regarding the performance of JUNZI, N Callan stated that the horse showed more pace in the early stages than he anticipated and therefore he was able to take advantage of that speed to obtain a prominent position. He said JUNZI came under pressure near the 500 Metres, was one-paced and struggled to maintain its position after the 300 Metres. He said after being momentarily held up for clear running approaching the 200 Metres, he shifted JUNZI to the outside of runners and was then able to place the horse under pressure. He said he was surprised that JUNZI was then able to finish off the race better than it had been earlier in the race. He added because of the way JUNZI finished off the race, he recommended to connections that they consider stepping the horse up in distance for its next race start. A veterinary inspection of JUNZI immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of GAINFULJET immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. PREMIERE, BUMBLE BABY, ACE KING and PEACE COMBINATION were sent for sampling.