31/03/2021  Shatin  Race 3

MELBOURNE HALL stumbled at the start. GALLANT LEGACY shifted out at the start and bumped JADE PHOENIX. SEA MONARCH was steadied from a wide barrier in the early stages and passing the 1000 Metres commenced to hang out. SEA MONARCH continued to hang out badly making the turns after the 700 Metres and proved very difficult to ride. A veterinary inspection of SEA MONARCH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The racing manners of SEA MONARCH were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SEA MONARCH will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial around a bend. Near the 900 Metres, THOU SHALL SING was awkwardly placed outside the heels of JADE PHOENIX. Passing the 700 Metres, JADE PHOENIX was eased away from the heels of HANDSOME REBEL which was taken in by COLONEL (Apprentice K H Chan) which shifted in. Apprentice Chan was advised to ensure that he leaves comfortable racing room for runners to his inside in similar circumstances. When being shifted to the outside of PICHU passing the 500 Metres, MELBOURNE HALL became badly unbalanced in its action when being checked away from the heels of that horse. Passing the 400 Metres, SPEEDY OPTIMIST went amiss and was immediately eased down. Throughout the race, COLONEL travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, Z Purton stated that after beginning well, COOLCELEB would not hold its position in the early stages despite being vigorously ridden along. He said his mount appeared timid amongst other horses and he had to ride it aggressively passing the 1000 Metres in an endeavour to try and have the horse maintain its position. He said despite continuing to be ridden along, COOLCELEB gave ground and was detached from the field in the middle stages. He said it was not until the early part of the Straight that COOLCELEB commenced to finish off the race, however, when doing so near the 200 Metres got its head on the side and commenced to lay in. He said he continued to ride COOLCELEB along and the horse then finished off the race satisfactorily. He added having in mind the manner in which COOLCELEB appeared reluctant to race amongst horses, he recommended to connections that they consider stepping the horse up in distance to allow it the opportunity to possibly take up a forward position. A veterinary inspection of COLONEL and PICHU immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GALLANT LEGACY and JADE PHOENIX were sent for sampling. Samples were also taken from SPEEDY OPTIMIST.