26/02/2017  Shatin  Race 2

Whilst in the saddling stalls, STRIKING STAR had its right front plate refitted. STRIKING STAR was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. GOLDIE FLANKER and TELECOM BOOM bumped at the start. After this, GOLDIE FLANKER and TELECOM BOOM made contact on a number of occasions when GOLDIE FLANKER raced tight between that horse and PLAIN BLUE BANNER. FANTASTICLIFE began only fairly. For some distance after the 1200 Metres, STRIKING STAR got its head up when proving difficult to settle. KING’S STEED lost its left front plate after the 1200 Metres. Passing the 1000 Metres, LEAN JOURNEY got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of EMPIRE OF MONGOLIA. After the 1000 Metres, GOLDIE FLANKER commenced to prove difficult to settle, got its head on the side and lay out, resulting in TELECOM BOOM being hampered and taken wider. After this, TELECOM BOOM was steadied and shifted in across behind GOLDIE FLANKER. After the 600 Metres, KING WINSA got its head on the side and lay out. At the entrance to the Straight, FANTASTICLIFE was momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of KING’S STEED. Passing the 350 Metres, PLAIN BLUE BANNER was shifted in away from the heels of JOY PLUS FUN. Passing the 300 Metres, KING WINSA was crowded for room between MASSIVE POWER and PLAIN BLUE BANNER which shifted in momentarily before being corrected. When PLAIN BLUE BANNER was directed back out to relieve the tightening to KING WINSA, TELECOM BOOM, which was attempting to improve between that horse and JOY PLUS FUN, was steadied when disappointed for running. After this, TELECOM BOOM was awkwardly placed close to the heels of JOY PLUS FUN before being shifted out from behind that horse passing the 200 Metres. Throughout the race, JOY PLUS FUN travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the performance of MASSIVE POWER, N Callan stated that, from an inside barrier, he was able to obtain a good run throughout the race behind a genuine speed. He said however that MASSIVE POWER did not show any turn of foot when asked rounding the Home Turn and then failed to respond to his riding in the Straight and was disappointing. A veterinary inspection of MASSIVE POWER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of MASSIVE POWER, a favourite for today’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MASSIVE POWER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, it was reported that TELECOM BOOM had sustained a small cut to the right hind leg. A veterinary inspection of GOLDIE FLANKER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. MASSIVE POWER, FANTASTICLIFE and LUCKY PLACE were sent for sampling.