26/02/2017  Shatin  Race 9

ISTANBUL BEY was slow to begin. MAMBO ROCK shifted out at the start and bumped GENERAL SHERMAN which began awkwardly. EASY HEDGE began awkwardly. MCQUEEN got its head up on a number of occasions shortly after the start. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, MCQUEEN got its head up when proving very difficult to settle and then passing the winning post on the first occasion when continuing to race ungenerously was bumped by GORGEOUS KING which was racing tight inside UNIQUE HAPPIEST (H W Lai). After being bumped by GORGEOUS KING, MCQUEEN shifted in, resulting in LOTUS STRIKES BACK being crowded for room outside CLOUD NINE. H W Lai was advised that whilst MCQUEEN’s racing manners had contributed significantly to this incident, nonetheless he must ensure that he leaves comfortable racing room for runners to his inside in similar circumstances. After this, MCQUEEN continued to race ungenerously and passing the 1800 Metres raced tight between CLOUD NINE and GORGEOUS KING which shifted in away from UNIQUE HAPPIEST. Near the 1500 Metres, WILLIE WAY got its head up when being checked away from the heels of GENERAL SHERMAN. Passing the 1100 Metres, GENERAL SHERMAN got its head up when proving difficult to settle and awkwardly placed close to the heels of EASY HEDGE. At the same point, ISTANBUL BEY was checked away from the heels of MAMBO ROCK. Passing the 1000 Metres, EASY HEDGE, which was proving difficult to settle, got its head up when being shifted to the outside of MCQUEEN. Making the turn after the 900 Metres, MCQUEEN was steadied away from the heels of EASY HEDGE which lay in behind GORGEOUS KING. After the 900 Metres, GENERAL SHERMAN was left racing wide and without cover. REDWOOD BABY lost its left front plate after the 900 Metres. Passing the 800 Metres, HO HO FEEL was awkwardly placed close to the heels of HAPPY CONTENDER. Approaching the 500 Metres, MCQUEEN was brushed by LOTUS STRIKES BACK which shifted out to obtain clear running. GENERAL SHERMAN, which was following MCQUEEN, was inconvenienced in consequence. At the entrance to the Straight, HAPPY ROCKY was shifted in away from the heels of CLOUD NINE. MAMBO ROCK was held up for clear running approaching the 400 Metres. At the 400 Metres, EASY HEDGE was shifted out away from the heels of GORGEOUS KING which shifted out marginally away from WILLIE WAY. HO HO FEEL was badly held up for clear running from near the 350 Metres until passing the 200 Metres. For a short distance after the 300 Metres, HAPPY ROCKY was unable to obtain clear running. Near the 250 Metres, MAMBO ROCK was shifted in away from the heels of GORGEOUS KING to continue improving and shifted in further and bumped CLOUD NINE. A veterinary inspection of REDWOOD BABY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. MAMBO ROCK, LOTUS STRIKES BACK and WILLIE WAY were sent for sampling.