07/03/2021  Shatin  Race 4

CRUCIATUS began only fairly. WINWIN THIRTYTHREE began only fairly, shifted in at the start and bumped BRAVERY AND POWER, causing both horses to become unbalanced. GALAXY EMPEROR shifted out at the start and bumped GREAT HARVEST which in turn shifted out and bumped CITY LEGEND which became badly unbalanced. From wide barriers, CITY LEGEND and VICTORIOUS LEADER were steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. Near the 950 Metres, VICTORIOUS LEADER raced tight inside CITY LEGEND which itself raced tight inside LITTLE GENERAL which got its head on the side and shifted in when racing close to the heels of GREAT HARVEST. LITTLE GENERAL was then bumped by CITY LEGEND making the turn near the 900 Metres. Passing the 700 Metres, BRAVERY AND POWER commenced to travel keenly and shifted out away from the heels of FOR FUN’S SAKE, taking WONDER EXPRESS wider and without cover. BRAVERY AND POWER then got its head on the side and lay out away from the heels of GALAXY EMPEROR, resulting in WONDER EXPRESS being taken wider again. Then making the Home Turn, BRAVERY AND POWER hung out. Having regard to BRAVERY AND POWER’s previous history of hanging out in races, the Stewards ruled that prior to being permitted to race again, the horse will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial around a bend. Approaching the 500 Metres, GREAT HARVEST, WINWIN THIRTYTHREE and THE FULL BLOOM all raced tight. Also approaching the 500 Metres, VICTORIOUS LEADER raced in restricted room when improving into tight running between CRUCIATUS and THE FULL BLOOM. BLAZING PARTNERS had difficulty obtaining clear running approaching and passing the 300 Metres. VICTORIOUS LEADER was held up for clear running from on straightening until passing the 300 Metres, VICTORIOUS LEADER then had some difficulty obtaining clear running approaching and passing the 100 Metres. WINWIN THIRTYTHREE was held up for clear running until passing the 300 Metres. THE FULL BLOOM was unable to obtain clear running until approaching the 100 Metres at which stage the horse was directed to the outside of WINWIN THIRTYTHREE to obtain clear running. Passing the 100 Metres, UNIVERSAL RECORD raced tight inside GREAT HARVEST (N Callan) which shifted in under pressure. N Callan was advised to exercise more care in future. Throughout the race, GALAXY EMPEROR travelled wide and without cover. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that LITTLE GENERAL was lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, LITTLE GENERAL will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of VICTORIOUS LEADER and THE FULL BLOOM immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. VICTORIOUS LEADER, CITY LEGEND and GREAT HARVEST were sent for sampling.