22/03/2020  Shatin  Race 8

From wide barriers, DECRYPT, PRIVATE SECRETARY, BUTTERFIELD and PLAYA DEL PUENTE were all steadied and shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 1600 Metres, BUTTERFIELD tended to race keenly and was awkwardly placed near the heels of SAVVY NINE. STAR PERFORMANCE travelled wide and without cover until near the 1200 Metres at which stage SUPER OASIS was left racing wide and without cover. Passing the 600 Metres, AMAZING BEATS raced very tight between SUPER OASIS and MORE THAN THIS (Z Purton) which shifted to the outside of the heels of STAR PERFORMANCE in order to improve. In this incident, AMAZING BEATS made contact with the hindquarters of SUPER OASIS which became unbalanced. Z Purton was reprimanded in respect of this incident. DECRYPT was held up for a run in the early part of the Straight and was shifted out near the 300 Metres in order to improve. Passing the 400 Metres, BUTTERFIELD improved into tight running between AMAZING BEATS and WORLD FAMOUS. At the same stage, COLUMBUS COUNTY lay in, resulting in SUPER OASIS racing tight inside that horse and making contact with AMAZING BEATS. AMAZING BEATS and SUPER OASIS then continued to race tight between BUTTERFIELD and COLUMBUS COUNTY until approaching the 200 Metres. When questioned, J Moreira stated that CHAMPION’S WAY was fractious in the barriers and then was ridden along in accordance with his instructions to take up a relatively prominent position. He said however that the anticipated pace from horses drawn wider did not eventuate which resulted in CHAMPION’S WAY being left racing three wide and without cover on the first turn. He said as CHAMPION’S WAY was racing keenly, he had no alternative other than to allow the horse to stride forward and initially sit outside RELIABLE TEAM after the 1600 Metres before improving into the outright lead at the 1300 Metres. He said whilst he was able to run the race at a reasonable tempo along the Back Straight, CHAMPION’S WAY immediately came under pressure when PLAYA DEL PUENTE made a quick move at the 700 Metres and then did not respond to his riding thereafter. He added that the circumstances of the race led to CHAMPION’S WAY not being able to see out the distance of the race today. A veterinary inspection of CHAMPION’S WAY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of SUPER OASIS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of COLUMBUS COUNTY immediately following the race found that horse to have sustained a deep wound to the right stifle. GOLDEN SIXTY and PLAYA DEL PUENTE were sent for sampling.