08/05/2021  Shatin  Race 3

As the start was effected, AMAZEMENT, which was fractious in the barriers, lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently was slow to begin. CORDYCEPS KING shifted out at the start and bumped the hindquarters of GOOD LUCK MONEY which in turn was bumped by FIRST RESPONDER which shifted in. When unbalanced due to the contact with GOOD LUCK MONEY, CORDYCEPS KING then became further unbalanced and lost ground when crowded for room between GOOD LUCK MONEY and TELECOM PUMA which shifted out. After this, despite being ridden along, CORDYCEPS KING failed to muster speed and was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 1150 Metres, CORDYCEPS ONE was awkwardly placed outside the heels of DIVINE REGULUS when being steadied to obtain cover. Near the 950 Metres, CORDYCEPS ONE got its head on the side and lay in and became unbalanced after shifting in towards the running rail. Making the turn at the 900 Metres, GOOD LUCK MONEY got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of GALLANT CAVALIER as a result of both horses shifting ground. Rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, PEGASUS GLORY raced close to the heels of FIRST RESPONDER when held up for clear running behind that horse. When held up, PEGASUS GLORY shifted out and brushed SHENRON approaching the 400 Metres. Near the 350 Metres, SEASONS BLISS was shifted out away from the heels of TELECOM PUMA to obtain clear running. Approaching and passing the 300 Metres, GOOD LUCK MONEY got its head on the side and shifted out under pressure. Passing the 200 Metres, SHENRON, which was giving ground, was steadied away from the heels of TELECOM PUMA (T Piccone) which shifted in away from SEASONS BLISS under pressure. T Piccone was told to ensure that he makes more endeavour than he did on this occasion to prevent his mounts from shifting ground in similar circumstances. AMAZEMENT lost its left front plate approaching the 150 Metres. In the Straight, CORDYCEPS KING lay in under pressure, requiring its rider to stop riding and correct his mount on a number of occasions. Close to the finishing line, CORDYCEPS KING shifted in, requiring its rider to again correct his mount. Throughout the race, GALLANT CAVALIER and TELECOM PUMA travelled wide and without cover. After the race, Z Purton (SHENRON) stated that after being ridden along to obtain a forward position, his mount gave ground noticeably in the Straight and was disappointing. He said at this stage SHENRON is still immature and he believed that the horse will improve with time and possibly over a further distance than of today’s race. A veterinary inspection of SHENRON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of GALLANT CAVALIER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FIRST RESPONDER and SEASONS BLISS were sent for sampling.