12/03/2017  Shatin  Race 9

ELUSIVE STATE was slow to begin. AMBITIOUS PINS was steadied in the early stages and shifted in to obtain cover. From a wide barrier, AVELLINO was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. Passing the 1400 Metres, MONGOLIAN KING momentarily raced in restricted room between FRIENDS OF NANJING and FULL GLORY. N Callan (FRIENDS OF NANJING) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the 1100 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of MONGOLIAN KING (N Rawiller), resulting in that horse being unnecessarily crowded for room and hampered. N Callan was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 29 March 2017 and to expire on Monday, 3 April 2017 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account Jockey Callan’s good race riding record. For some distance after this, N Rawiller attempted to re-establish running inside FRIENDS OF NANJING which, after shifting in passing the 1100 Metres, then shifted out marginally when racing inside the heels of ULTIMATE GLORY approaching the 1000 Metres. This resulted in MONGOLIAN KING racing to the inside of FRIENDS OF NANJING where there was not sufficient room for some distance approaching the 900 Metres at which time MONGOLIAN KING was checked after being unable to maintain its position. N Rawiller was advised that, in the opinion of the Stewards, he should have desisted in attempting to re-establish his position inside FRIENDS OF NANJING even given that that horse had shifted out marginally approaching the 1000 Metres. MONGOLIAN KING had some difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Near the 350 Metres, FULL GLORY shifted out and made contact with GREEN DISPATCH. Passing the 300 Metres, ELUSIVE STATE was shifted out away from the heels of GREEN DISPATCH. Passing the 250 Metres, FRIENDS OF NANJING was awkwardly placed close to the heels of WHAT ELSE BUT YOU. Approaching the 200 Metres, GREEN DISPATCH was awkwardly placed outside the heels of FULL GLORY which shifted out under pressure. Near the 150 Metres, ENERGETIC CLASS shifted in under pressure, resulting in its rider, J Moreira, changing his whip into his right hand. For the majority of the race, BRING IT ON travelled wide and without cover. WHAT ELSE BUT YOU and GO BEAUTY GO were sent for sampling.