23/12/2018  Shatin  Race 6

SUPER MODEL, which was fractious in the barriers, lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected and lost ground. Soon after the start, SUPER MODEL was then steadied when crowded for room between LET’S COME BACK and TORNADO TWIST which shifted in after being bumped on the hindquarters by SUPER MODEL. On jumping, REAL GIANT and ALPHA HEDGE bumped heavily. From a wide barrier, LET’S COME BACK was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. On the first turn after the 900 Metres, TORNADO TWIST was steadied when awkwardly placed between THE CREATETH and SUPER MODEL which travelled wide and without cover for the majority of the event and consequently weakened badly in the Straight. WHAT A LEGEND lost its left front plate at the 500 Metres. After passing the 200 Metres, THE CREATETH was steadied and shifted to the outside of TORNADO TWIST to continue improving after being disappointed for a run between TORNADO TWIST which was inclined to lay in and WHAT A LEGEND which shifted out under pressure. The Stewards were satisfied that THE CREATETH had not properly established running between WHAT A LEGEND and TORNADO TWIST in this incident and accordingly no further action was taken. Throughout the race, DRAGON REGIMENT travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, A Badel stated that BESTA LUCK, which was having its second race start today, was quite stirred up behind the barriers. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode BESTA LUCK positively from barrier 3, however, the horse, which was racing with blinkers for the first time, raced very keenly in the lead throughout the early and middle stages and he was not able to have it relax as he would have wished. He said as a consequence BESTA LUCK weakened noticeably over the final 100 Metres. A veterinary inspection of WHAT A LEGEND immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. TORNADO TWIST and THE CREATETH were sent for sampling.