06/12/2020  Shatin  Race 1

UNITE SPIRIT and LONDON LUCKYSTAR bumped at the start. JIMMU, VOLPINO and DOUBLE TAKE began only fairly. Despite being vigorously ridden along for some distance in the early stages, CROWN AVENUE was slow to muster speed and then travelled wide and without cover throughout the race. CALIFORNIA LEGEND lost its right hind plate in the early stages. Near the 1100 Metres, CROWN AVENUE was shifted out away from the heels of CALIFORNIA LEGEND when awkwardly placed outside that horse which shifted out marginally. Rounding the Home Turn, B Shinn (VOLPINO) dropped his whip. In the early part of the Straight, DOUBLE TAKE lay in under pressure. Passing the 300 Metres, SWEETLY BABY was shifted in away from the heels of CALIFORNIA LEGEND. After initially being awkwardly placed outside the heels of KING’S RACE after the 250 Metres, CALIFORNIA LEGEND was momentarily crowded for room between KING’S RACE and CROWN AVENUE (A Hamelin) which shifted in under pressure approaching the 200 Metres. A Hamelin was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Approaching the 100 Metres, CALIFORNIA LEGEND was shifted out away from the heels of KING’S RACE and then near the 50 Metres was again awkwardly placed behind that horse. Close to the finishing line, DOUBLE TAKE was awkwardly placed outside the heels of CROWN AVENUE and consequently was not able to be ridden out all the way to the end of the race. A veterinary inspection of LONDON LUCKYSTAR and SWEETLY BABY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SWEETLY BABY, CROWN AVENUE and EZRA were sent for sampling.