06/02/2021  Shatin  Race 10

ROMANTIC COMBO began awkwardly and shifted out towards the heels of TAKING AIM, resulting in ROMANTIC COMBO losing ground. Shortly after the start, JOLLY HONOUR, which was being ridden along, shifted out and bumped ISLAND SHINE on two occasions, causing both horses to become unbalanced. After this, ISLAND SHINE was steadied to obtain cover. From the outside barriers, XIANG YIN, SO WE JOY and SPARKY TRAIL were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After travelling a short distance, COMPASSION SPIRIT shifted in and bumped TAKING AIM. For some distance after the 1100 Metres, SO WE JOY got its head up on a number of occasions when proving very difficult to settle. Then near the 900 Metres, SO WE JOY, which was continuing to travel keenly, was shifted out and was awkwardly placed inside the heels of JOLLY HONOUR which at this time was bumped by BEAUTY SPIRIT. SO WE JOY then continued to travel keenly and near the 650 Metres got its head up when racing close to the heels of JOLLY HONOUR and shifted out, causing SPARKY TRAIL to race in restricted room inside ISLAND SHINE. Approaching the 900 Metres, ISLAND SHINE was awkwardly placed behind BEAUTY SPIRIT. After the 900 Metres, THE HULK was left racing wide and without cover. ISLAND SHINE lost its right front plate passing the 700 Metres. Passing the 400 Metres, XIANG YIN, which was inclined to lay in, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of ROMANTIC COMBO. Also passing the 400 Metres, COMPASSION SPIRIT had some difficulty obtaining clear running between FLYING SWORD and TAKING AIM. Near the 250 Metres, SILVER EXPRESS, which lay out in the early part of the Straight, got its head on the side and shifted out abruptly. SILVER EXPRESS continued to hang out passing the 200 Metres and then shifted in passing the 150 Metres. SILVER EXPRESS then hung out badly over the final 100 Metres, resulting in its rider being unable to properly test his mount. The racing manners of SILVER EXPRESS were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SILVER EXPRESS will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial around a bend. A veterinary inspection of TAKING AIM and THE HULK immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. MY SUGAR and SILVER EXPRESS were sent for sampling.