19/11/2017  Shatin  Race 4

HO HO FEEL and HAPPY CONTENDER began only fairly. From the outside barriers, SMILING PRIDE and AMAZING AGILITY were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. WHO DAT SINGA lost its right hind plate after the 1600 Metres. After the 1300 Metres, HAY RUN travelled keenly and was awkwardly placed behind HO HO FEEL. Near the 550 Metres, LET US WIN (T Berry) was checked when attempting to improve between GIANT TURTLE and GORGEOUS AGAIN. In this incident, GORGEOUS AGAIN became unbalanced, shifted out and bumped SERGEANT TITANIUM which in turn became unbalanced. T Berry was advised to ensure that there is sufficient room when attempting to improve between runners and when doing so he does not place undue pressure on other horses. In this incident, ENSURING, which was racing to the outside of LET US WIN, shifted out away from the heels of that horse which resulted in HO HO FEEL being taken out onto HEROIC GURU which became unbalanced when bumped by HO HO FEEL. Both GORGEOUS AGAIN and LET US WIN were awkwardly placed behind runners in the early part of the Straight. After the 400 Metres, HO HO FEEL raced in restricted room between LOTUS STRIKES BACK and HEROIC GURU which initially lay in. After initially shifting out under pressure from the 300 Metres, HEROIC GURU then got its head on the side, hung out over the final 200 Metres and on two occasions ran out abruptly and proved very difficult to ride. AMAZING AGILITY, which was following HEROIC GURU, was checked away from the heels of that horse passing the 200 Metres and directed in to continue improving. HEROIC GURU continued to hang out for the remainder of the race. Before being allowed to race again, HEROIC GURU will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial around a bend. Notwithstanding the fact that HEROIC GURU hung out in the Straight and proved difficult to ride, Apprentice M F Poon will be reprimanded regarding his failure of his attempt to straighten HEROIC GURU sooner than he did on this occasion. Approaching the 200 Metres, M L Yeung (HAY RUN) dropped his whip. When questioned , S Clipperton stated that approaching the 700 Metres he shifted LOTUS STRIKES BACK to the outside of SERGEANT TITANIUM and commenced to improve into the race. He said whilst this was earlier in the race than he would have preferred, he was concerned that the field may bunch after the 700 Metres and that if other runners improved quickly from rearward positions, LOTUS STRIKES BACK would be left flat-footed and therefore he made the decision to shift to the outside of SERGEANT TITANIUM and gradually improve his way forward. He said LOTUS STRIKES BACK responded well when placed under pressure and finished off the race strongly. A veterinary inspection of JOLLY GENE and WHO DAT SINGA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of GORGEOUS AGAIN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. ENSURING, GIANT TURTLE and LOTUS STRIKES BACK were sent for sampling.