30/05/2018  Shatin  Race 5

GRAN MASTER began only fairly. OPEN HOUSE shifted out at the start and bumped TELECOM MAN which was awkwardly placed inside the heels of HOUSE OF LUCK. From wide barriers, ELUSIVE STATE and TRIUMPH were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Despite being vigorously ridden in the early stages, CHATER THUNDER was slow to muster speed and passing the winning post on the first occasion was shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. After passing the winning post on the first occasion, STARLIT KNIGHT was momentarily awkwardly placed behind TELECOM MAN when being shifted across behind that horse. Approaching the 1200 Metres, GRAN MASTER (N Callan) commenced to race ungenerously and got its head up on a number of occasions. GRAN MASTER then continued to travel keenly and passing the 800 Metres again got its head up on a number of occasions when VICTORY FOLLOW ME improved to its outside. N Callan stated that having regard to the manner in which GRAN MASTER raced in the middle stages, he suggested to connections that they consider changing the head gear carried by GRAN MASTER in an endeavour to have the horse settle better in its races. GOUTEN OF GARO lost its left front plate after the 1000 Metres. STARLIT KNIGHT lost its right front plate after the 800 Metres. Approaching the 600 Metres, MASTER BERNINI raced in restricted room inside DIAMOND FRIENDS which shifted in marginally. At the entrance to the Straight, VICTORY FOLLOW ME was bumped by CHATER THUNDER which shifted out before being directed back in to relieve the pressure to VICTORY FOLLOW ME. This resulted in CHATER THUNDER being awkwardly placed close to the heels of GRAN MASTER for a short distance passing the 300 Metres. Passing the 200 Metres, DIAMOND FRIENDS and GRAN MASTER raced tight. For the majority of the race, VICTORY FOLLOW ME travelled wide and without cover and passing the 800 Metres was bumped by MARVEL JOY which shifted out. VICTORY FOLLOW ME then gave ground in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of STARLIT KNIGHT and VICTORY FOLLOW ME immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. MASTER BERNINI, HOUSE OF LUCK and MARVEL JOY were sent for sampling.