15/04/2018  Shatin  Race 9

FRIENDS OF NANJING began only fairly. From wide barriers, INVINCIBLE FRESH, GOD OF DRAGON and GO PUBLIC were all steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. At the entrance to the Straight, INVINCIBLE FRESH was checked when disappointed for running between CAPTAIN BOSS and ENCOURAGING (D Whyte) which shifted out. D Whyte was advised that whilst the Stewards were satisfied that INVINCIBLE FRESH had not established running between the two horses, nonetheless he must exercise care when shifting ground to prevent causing interference. Near the 300 Metres, SONIC FIGHTER was shifted in away from the heels of COMFORT LIFE. Then passing the 200 Metres, SONIC FIGHTER was shifted to the inside of CEREFINO in an attempt to obtain clear running. When SONIC FIGHTER shifted in, HARD PROMISE was awkwardly placed between SONIC FIGHTER and GO PUBLIC which improved quickly to the inside of HARD PROMISE. After this, SONIC FIGHTER was held up for clear running inside CEREFINO until passing the 100 Metres. Near the 50 Metres, INVINCIBLE FRESH, which was finishing off the race strongly, was shifted out abruptly away from the heels of CEREFINO when that horse shifted out marginally when giving ground. ENCOURAGING lay in under pressure in the Straight and proved difficult to ride. Throughout the race, RACING LUCK travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, D Whyte stated that it was felt that ENCOURAGING had performed disappointingly at its most recent start when ridden in a forward position. He said he was therefore asked to ride ENCOURAGING more conservatively today. He said when ridden in this manner ENCOURAGING finished off the race well and both he and Trainer M J Freedman were satisfied that the horse performs best when ridden more quietly. A veterinary inspection of HARD PROMISE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. SHAMPORT, GO PUBLIC and COMFORT LIFE were sent for sampling.