21/03/2021  Shatin  Race 7

SMART LEADER shifted out at the start and bumped ARMOR STAR which was then crowded for room inside DUBLIN STAR which was also bumped by ARMOR STAR. SIMPLY FLUKE got its head up on jumping and began very awkwardly. Then, from a wide barrier, SIMPLY FLUKE was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. From wide barriers, WATER DIVINER and TELECOM CHEETAH were also shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the 300 Metres, ARMOR STAR was shifted out to obtain clear running. Close to the finishing line, TRUST ME was awkwardly placed close to the heels of LUCKY QUALITY. Throughout the race, WINE AND WINE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, M Chadwick stated that he was instructed to ride TRUST ME similarly to its recent starts when he was asked to have the horse in a forward position. He said today TRUST ME did not begin well and was consequently out-paced in the early stages. He said in particular REGENCY BO BO, which was drawn outside TRUST ME, was being hard ridden to maintain a forward position and as TRUST ME was not showing the same early speed as REGENCY BO BO, he elected to shift his mount behind DUBLIN STAR and obtain a position closer to the rail which resulted in TRUST ME racing further back in the field than had been anticipated. After the race, K C Leung reported to the Veterinary Officer that WATER DIVINER was unbalanced in its action rounding the Home Turn. A veterinary inspection of WATER DIVINER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, WATER DIVINER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of DUBLIN STAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. COURIER WONDER and REGENCY BO BO were sent for sampling.