01/01/2017  Shatin  Race 9

CHOICE TREASURE was withdrawn on 31.12.16 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore suspensory) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter CELESTIAL NOVA (Apprentice H T Mo). Before being allowed to race again, CHOICE TREASURE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Whilst in the saddling stalls, SKY KING had its left hind plate refitted. SKY KING was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. CLASSIC EMPEROR began awkwardly and lost its left front plate at the start. CLASSIC EMPEROR then travelled wide and without cover for the majority of the race. CLUB LIFE began awkwardly. From wide barriers, CELESTIAL NOVA, SKY KING and HAPPY ROCKY were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages. RAZOR QUEST had some difficulty obtaining clear running passing the 200 Metres. When questioned regarding the improved performance of RAZOR QUEST, Mr C W Chang, the trainer of the horse, stated that he instructed the rider of the horse at its most recent start to take up a forward position if the tempo of the race allowed this to happen without too much use having to be made of RAZOR QUEST. He said however that RAZOR QUEST did not finish off the race last start when ridden in a forward position from a wide barrier and the horse was able to enjoy a much better run in today's race from barrier 3 when able to be ridden from off the speed. When questioned, J Moreira stated that, in his opinion, UNICRON JEWELLERY's performance in today's race was not as disappointing as it might have appeared. He said UNICRON JEWELLERY needs some time to gather momentum and when the tempo quickened at the entrance to the Straight UNICRON JEWELLERY was left flat-footed. He said passing the 200 Metres UNICRON JEWELLERY commenced to finish off the race well, however, was reluctant to improve into tight running inside CLUB LIFE approaching and passing the 100 Metres. He said, in his opinion, had UNICRON JEWELLERY obtained clear running, the horse would have finished closer to the placegetters than it did. A veterinary inspection of UNICRON JEWELLERY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, it was reported that CLASSIC EMPEROR had sustained an overreach injury to the inside of the left front heel. UNICRON JEWELLERY, RAZOR QUEST and BOOMING DELIGHT were sent for sampling.