22/03/2020  Shatin  Race 7

STAY CHILL and KING OF HEARTS began only fairly. KURPANY began very awkwardly, shifted out abruptly and bumped the hindquarters of VICTORIAM which became unbalanced. As a result of beginning awkwardly, KURPANY lost ground. E STAR stumbled on jumping and then, despite being hard ridden, failed to muster any early speed and settled back in the field. At the 1100 Metres, VICTORIAM, which was being shifted across to take up a position closer to the rail, was checked away from the heels of MONKEY JEWELLERY which drifted out slightly. Throughout the race, LIGHT MY DAY travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. When questioned, C Schofield stated that ETERNAL HARVEST jumped cleanly from an inside barrier and took up the running in the early stages. He said however that ETERNAL HARVEST was inclined to race a little keenly approaching the first turn when challenged by NAMJONG SINGS which improved to its outside. He added that when NAMJONG SINGS was steadied by its rider at the 800 Metres, he was able to get ETERNAL HARVEST to relax throughout the middle stages and anticipated that the horse would be able to respond well when placed under pressure. He said however that when challenged again by NAMJONG SINGS at the entrance to the Straight, ETERNAL HARVEST responded only for a short distance and then was disappointing in the manner in which it failed to close off the race. C Schofield stated that, in his opinion, ETERNAL HARVEST’s disappointing run could be attributed to it being up in class today and not coping with the initial pressure in the race due to its inexperience. A veterinary inspection of ETERNAL HARVEST immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. WELLINGTON and LARSON were sent for sampling.