14/03/2020  Shatin  Race 7

MONGOLIAN KING began awkwardly and shifted out, resulting in RAGING BLITZKRIEG and SMILING CITY being crowded for room. RACING LUCK began awkwardly and then from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Also from wide barriers, ENFOLDING and VOLPINO were steadied to obtain cover. After obtaining the lead near the 1400 Metres, CALIFORNIA ARGENT travelled keenly. Near the 1300 Metres, SMILING CITY commenced to travel keenly and became unbalanced when awkwardly placed close to the heels of MONGOLIAN KING. Passing the 200 Metres, BEAR SLAM was steadied and LAOS ENLIGHTENMENT inconvenienced due to MONGOLIAN KING (V Borges) shifting to the inside of LONE EAGLE when not properly clear. V Borges was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is properly clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances. Close to the finishing line, LONE EAGLE was steadied after shifting out and being awkwardly placed inside the heels of CLEAR CHOICE. Throughout the race, RIGHT CHOICE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the performance of BEAR SLAM, J Moreira stated that it had been hoped that the horse may be able to obtain a position forward of midfield. He said it was anticipated that CLEAR CHOICE, which was drawn immediately inside BEAR SLAM, would be able to obtain a forward position and it was left for him to decide whether to ride BEAR SLAM vigorously to clear that horse or obtain a position behind CLEAR CHOICE. He said CLEAR CHOICE began better than BEAR SLAM and showed more speed in the early stages and as he did not believe he would be able to clear that horse, he elected, after travelling a short distance, to shift BEAR SLAM in behind CLEAR CHOICE. He said he then had to steady BEAR SLAM further to obtain a position closer to the rail as SMILING CITY was racing in a three wide position at this time. He said this resulted in BEAR SLAM racing further back in the field than had been hoped. He added BEAR SLAM did not travel as strongly in the middle stages as it had previously and appeared to be resenting the kickback. He said he had to ride BEAR SLAM along after the 700 Metres in an attempt to improve his position and BEAR SLAM did not quicken as he thought it would. He added BEAR SLAM was staying on one-paced in the early part of the Straight and after being steadied passing the 200 Metres then continued to finish off the race only one-paced. He said if not for being hampered in the Straight, BEAR SLAM would have finished closer, however, would not have finished in the placings. A veterinary inspection of BEAR SLAM immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of LONE EAGLE immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, LONE EAGLE will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. BEAR SLAM, RAGING BLITZKRIEG and MONGOLIAN KING were sent for sampling. <16/3/2020 Additional Veterinary Report>LONE EAGLE, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. LONE EAGLE was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer P F Yiu yesterday morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. As previously advised, LONE EAGLE will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.