01/01/2020  Shatin  Race 9

MY DARLING, Standby Declared Starter, was withdrawn on 30.12.19 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore). Before being allowed to race again, MY DARLING will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SEATTLE CHOICE began awkwardly and bumped the inside of its gate, resulting in its rider, K Teetan, becoming unbalanced and the horse losing ground. UNITE SPIRIT began awkwardly and then got its head up on a number of occasions in the early stages. ASSIMILATE shifted in at the start and bumped REEL BIZZY. From a wide barrier, PAKISTAN FRIEND was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After being crossed by SMILING CITY near the 900 Metres, FARSHAD commenced to travel keenly and got its head up on a number of occasions when awkwardly placed behind that horse. Near the 900 Metres, RAKKIKYATTO was left racing wide and without cover. Near the 550 Metres, REEL BIZZY was crowded for room between RAKKIKYATTO and SEATTLE CHOICE (K Teetan) which shifted out. K Teetan was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. At the 400 Metres, RAKKIKYATTO was crowded for room between PAKISTAN FRIEND which shifted in marginally and REEL BIZZY (G van Niekerk) which shifted out. This resulted in PAKISTAN FRIEND becoming unbalanced when bumped on the hindquarters by RAKKIKYATTO which was then steadied. G van Niekerk was reprimanded and advised to exercise more care when shifting ground. MY ALLY lost its left front plate passing the 400 Metres. Passing the 300 Metres, FARSHAD was inconvenienced when FOLLOW ME shifted to the outside of BEAUTY LOYAL to obtain clear running. Passing the 200 Metres, FOLLOW ME was awkwardly placed inside the heels of ASSIMILATE. Close to the finishing line, BEAUTY LOYAL shifted out away from LOOKING GOOD and bumped ASSIMILATE which became unbalanced. When questioned regarding the improved performance of LOOKING GOOD, Trainer F C Lor stated that, in his opinion, the primary reason for the turnaround in performance was attributable to the weight relief as a result of the engagement of a 10 lb claiming apprentice. He said the weight carried by LOOKING GOOD today as compared to its previous starts was significantly reduced and he felt that, together with the drop back in distance to 1400 Metres, were the principal reasons for the horse’s improved performance. A veterinary inspection of REEL BIZZY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LOOKING GOOD and ASSIMILATE were sent for sampling.