23/12/2018  Shatin  Race 9

MR GENUINE jumped out at the start and bumped heavily with FANTASTIC EIGHT which became unbalanced and shifted out, making contact with BRAVO WATCHMAN which was inconvenienced. Approaching the 800 Metres, BRAVO WATCHMAN and STYLING CITY raced tight. After being awkwardly placed outside BALTIC WHISPER (G van Niekerk) for some distance after the 500 Metres, STYLING CITY was steadied and shifted to the inside of that horse to obtain clear running after passing the 400 Metres. G van Niekerk was severely reprimanded and told to be more alert to the positioning of his mounts in relation to other runners and to do his utmost to keep them straight. Leaving the 300 Metres, STYLING CITY was again disappointed for running between SAUL’S SPECIAL and BRAVO WATCHMAN which drifted out under pressure. STYLING CITY was then directed to the inside of the heels of BRAVO WATCHMAN approaching and passing the 200 Metres to continue improving. Over the concluding stages, FANTASTIC EIGHT was inclined to lay out and was awkwardly placed inside the heels of LEAN PERFECTION. After the race, C Y Ho reported that CALIFORNIA FORTUNE travelled satisfactorily in the early stages, however, came under pressure mid-race and then was disappointing in its failure to finish off the race. He added that he was not able to offer any explanation for the horse’s poor finishing effort. A veterinary inspection of CALIFORNIA FORTUNE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. STYLING CITY and STORM SIGNAL were sent for sampling.