10/09/2017  Shatin  Race 7

WINNER’S WAY began awkwardly. From the outside barrier, HORSE OF FORTUNE was steadied in the early stages and shifted across to obtain cover. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, ROMANTIC TOUCH failed to muster speed. When questioned regarding the performance of MAGIC LEGEND, T Berry stated that after the horse ran home late in its race last week over 1200 Metres, it was felt that the step up to 1400 Metres for today’s race would suit MAGIC LEGEND. He said he was asked to ride the horse positively in the early stages and obtain the lead and then to slow the pace in the middle stages if possible as it was felt that MAGIC LEGEND would not have the same turn of foot as horses such as WINNER’S WAY and JOLLY BANNER and therefore it was felt that in the best interests of MAGIC LEGEND not to have to give those horses a start. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode MAGIC LEGEND positively in the early stages and although he had to make some use of the horse he was able to steady the tempo in the middle stages and MAGIC LEGEND travelled comfortably in the lead. He said after WINNER’S WAY improved to the outside of MAGIC LEGEND rounding the Home Turn, MAGIC LEGEND came under pressure and then did not finish off the race as anticipated. He added he was not able to offer any reason for the disappointing performance of MAGIC LEGEND other than the horse was backing up over 1400 Metres after competing last week. A veterinary inspection of MAGIC LEGEND immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. JOLLY BANNER and WINNER’S WAY were sent for sampling.