02/03/2019  Shatin  Race 10

Prior to being walked the saddling area, COOL TEAM broke loose from its handler after which the horse was found to be lame as a result of an overreach injury to the right front foot. As COOL TEAM was found to be not suitable to race, that horse was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, COOL TEAM will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Whilst in the saddling stalls, HIDDEN BLITZ had its right front plate refitted. HIDDEN BLITZ was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. AMAZING CHOCOLATE and HIDDEN BLITZ were slow to begin. When being steadied in order to be shifted across behind runners shortly after the start, GOOD FOR YOU shifted out and bumped ROMAN IMPERO which in turn shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of KIRAM. After this, GOOD FOR YOU, ROMAN IMPERO and KIRAM were all shifted across behind runners. After the 1100 Metres, IRISH VEGA was left racing wide and without cover. Making the turn after the 900 Metres, UNCLE STEVE got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of PERFECT BUDDY. Close to the finishing line, INVINCIBLE FRESH was awkwardly placed between ROUNDABOUT and GOOD FOR YOU and consequently was not able to be ridden out all the way to the end of the race. Also close to the finishing line, KIRAM was shifted in away from the heels of AMAZING CHOCOLATE. After the race, U Rispoli was not able to offer an explanation for the performance of UNCLE STEVE. He said UNCLE STEVE appeared reluctant to race inside horses, however, given that it enjoyed a good run behind the leader, UNCLE STEVE was disappointing in the manner in which it failed to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of UNCLE STEVE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. RIGHT CHOICE and AMAZING CHOCOLATE were sent for sampling.