17/04/2021  Shatin  Race 10

PERFECT TO GREAT began only fairly. BEAUTY SPIRIT shifted in at the start and bumped the hindquarters of CHANCHENG PRINCE. From wide barriers, TURQUOISE ALPHA, WHAT A LEGEND and JOLLY HONOUR were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover. After the 1000 Metres, MOERAKI travelled keenly after being crossed by TAKING AIM. After the 800 Metres, FLYING VICTORY was left racing wide and without cover. Passing the 100 Metres, CHANCHENG PRINCE was bumped by TURQUOISE ALPHA which shifted out away from the heels of TRUST ME to continue improving. Also passing the 100 Metres, PERFECT TO GREAT shifted in under pressure, requiring its rider to stop riding and straighten his mount. When questioned, M L Yeung stated that it was hoped, from barrier 10, that EXCELLENT CHARIOT would be able to obtain a position with cover behind the speed. He said after beginning positively on EXCELLENT CHARIOT, he commenced to shift his mount across behind runners with a view to obtaining a trailing position behind TRUST ME. He said EXCELLENT CHARIOT, which was up in distance today, took some time to be able to steady in order to take up a trailing position behind TRUST ME which resulted in the horse being left racing wide and without cover after the 1000 Metres. He said, rather than remaining racing wide and covering unnecessary ground, he allowed his mount to improve its position after the 900 Metres to shift in to race outside the lead which resulted in EXCELLENT CHARIOT being ridden further forward today than had been anticipated. Mr P F Yiu, the trainer of EXCELLENT CHARIOT, confirmed the instructions were to obtain cover and he felt that this may be in about midfield or in advance of midfield. He said the circumstances of the race resulted in EXCELLENT CHARIOT being ridden more forward today than had been hoped. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of CHANCHENG PRINCE, C Y Ho stated that he was able to obtain a good position in advance of midfield in the early stages from barrier 2. He said CHANCHENG PRINCE travelled well in the early stages, however, he became concerned with the manner in which the horse was going to finish off the race when he had commenced riding it after the 700 Metres to maintain its position behind TRUST ME. He said CHANCHENG PRINCE came off the bridle and he had to ride the horse along more aggressively after the 600 Metres. He said CHANCHENG PRINCE did not respond to his riding rounding the Home Turn and did not quicken at any stage. He said, despite being ridden out in the Straight, CHANCHENG PRINCE was very disappointing in its failure to finish off the race. He added after the race he could detect nothing amiss with the horse which would explain its disappointing performance. A veterinary inspection of CHANCHENG PRINCE immediately following the race found that horse to have a continuous displacement of the soft palate and also sustained minor lacerations to the right front and right hind fetlocks. Before being allowed to race again, CHANCHENG PRINCE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. CHANCHENG PRINCE, TAKING AIM and PERFECT TO GREAT were sent for sampling.