05/05/2019  Shatin  Race 10

DYNAMIC EAGLE shifted in at the start and bumped NOT USUAL TALENT. CHEERFUL STAR began only fairly. From a wide barrier, SUPER ELEGANCE was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the 1700 Metres, GRAND CHANCELLOR got its head up when racing close to the heels of CHEFANO. GRAND CHANCELLOR then shifted out and inconvenienced SUPER ELEGANCE. After the 1600 Metres, HEAVENLY THOUGHT was left racing wide and without cover. At the entrance to the Straight, DYNAMIC EAGLE was steadied when disappointed for running between SUPER ELEGANCE and CHEFANO which shifted out. As the Stewards were satisfied that DYNAMIC EAGLE had not properly established running to the outside of CHEFANO, no further action was taken. NOT USUAL TALENT was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight and then near the 300 Metres was momentarily crowded for room between NEW ELEGANCE and DEFINING MOMENT which got its head on the side and shifted in before being directed out to relieve the tightening to NOT USUAL TALENT. CHEERFUL STAR, which was following and which had been held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight, was steadied away from the heels of NOT USUAL TALENT in consequence. Approaching the 100 Metres, CHEERFUL STAR raced tight inside DEFINING MOMENT which again got its head on the side and lay in. After the race, Apprentice C Wong reported that he was asked to take advantage of GENERAL SHERMAN’s inside barrier and have the horse race as close to the speed as possible. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of DEFINING MOMENT, J Moreira stated that his mount travelled well in the early and middle stages and he anticipated that it would finish off the race well. He said however that rounding the Home Turn he placed DEFINING MOMENT under pressure and the horse did not respond to his riding and then gave ground in the Straight when inclined to lay in. He added, based on the fact that DEFINING MOMENT travelled strongly before quickly coming off the bridle, he formed the view that the horse may not have appreciated the track conditions today. A veterinary inspection of DEFINING MOMENT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. DEFINING MOMENT, GRAND CHANCELLOR and NOT USUAL TALENT were sent for sampling.