23/12/2017  Shatin  Race 5

On arrival at the Start, it was noted that MARQULA had lost its right front plate. After this plate was replaced, MARQULA was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. Just prior to the start being effected, BRILLIANT DREAM lunged at the front gates, resulting in the gates opening marginally just prior to the remaining gates opening. This resulted in BRILLIANT DREAM beginning awkwardly and losing ground. On jumping, NAMJONG PLUS lost ground when crowded for room between REMARKABLE and GREAT SON. BEAUTY DAY began awkwardly after making contact with the outside gate on jumping. WINNING SUPREME and SPICY KAKA made contact at the start. From a wide barrier, MARQULA was steadied and shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Approaching the 1200 Metres, SPORTS MASTER commenced to prove difficult to settle and shifted out away from the heels of SPICY KAKA. SPORTS MASTER continued to race very keenly and at the 1100 Metres got its head up and shifted in, making contact with BETTER CHOICE which was hampered. A short distance later, as SPICY KAKA, which when racing keenly, was steadied away from the heels of CARE FREE PRINCE (Apprentice M F Poon), that horse shifted out, resulting in SPORTS MASTER, which continued to prove very difficult to manage, being checked when taken out towards the heels of REMARKABLE. As CARE FREE PRINCE and WINNING SUPREME (Apprentice H T Mo) steadied the pace in the lead, SPICY KAKA, BEAUTY DAY and BETTER CHOICE had to be steadied and were hampered. Apprentices Poon and Mo were warned against the practice of slackening the tempo to any marked degree which makes it difficult for the riders of horses in a trailing position adjusting to the change in pace. For some distance approaching the 900 Metres, BRILLIANT DREAM got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of BETTER CHOICE. Passing the 300 Metres, NAMJONG PLUS shifted in, causing some inconvenience to EASTERN PROWESS. After passing the 150 Metres, NAMJONG PLUS shifted out abruptly around the heels of SPICY KAKA. For the majority of the event, REMARKABLE and GREAT SON travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of BRILLIANT DREAM immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. BETTER CHOICE, NAMJONG PLUS and HINYUEN SWIFTNESS were sent for sampling.