20/06/2021  Shatin  Race 10

HEZA BEAUTY began awkwardly. LIFELINE VISION shifted out at the start and bumped CHEVALIER PRINCE. WAR WEAPON was crowded for room on jumping between PARTY EVERYDAY and GOLDEN LINK which shifted out. BABY shifted out at the start and inconvenienced MALDIVES and GREAT TREASURE. After this, from wide barriers, MALDIVES and GREAT TREASURE were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Approaching the 1100 Metres, APACHE PASS travelled keenly when being steadied to obtain cover behind SUPER WINNER. Near the 1100 Metres, SUPER WINNER was hampered when directed in away from the heels of BABY (A Hamelin) which shifted in when not properly clear. A Hamelin was severely reprimanded and told to ensure that he provides sufficient clearance when shifting ground in similar circumstances. After the 1000 Metres, WAR WEAPON and COMPASSION SPIRIT were left racing wide and without cover. Passing the 400 Metres, PARTY EVERYDAY was very awkwardly placed close to the heels of CHEVALIER PRINCE when being shifted to the outside of that horse to obtain clear running. Also passing the 400 Metres, SUPER WINNER was awkwardly placed behind SUPER TEN. Approaching the 300 Metres, BABY, which was commencing to give ground, was eased away from the heels of SUPER WINNER which, after improving into tight running inside SUPER TEN, shifted in away from that horse. Passing the 100 Metres. MEANINGFUL STAR and PARTY EVERYDAY bumped. Near the 75 Metres, SUPER WINNER shifted out and brushed SUPER TEN. When questioned, J Moreira stated that in pre-race discussions with the connections of SUPER WINNER, it was noted that no horse had been able to be successful leading at today’s meeting other than earlier in the day in a distance race. He said therefore he was told to obtain a forward position on SUPER WINNER, but if another horse was intent on leading, he should obtain a trailing position behind that horse as SUPER WINNER had finished off a race strongly when successful earlier in the season when ridden in a trailing position. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode SUPER WINNER positively in the early stages, but after travelling a short distance he observed that BABY was being ridden along from a wide barrier to also take up a forward position. He said having regard to his instructions and as the rider of BABY was intent on leading, he elected to allow that horse to cross SUPER WINNER and obtain the position behind that horse. He added after obtaining the lead BABY steadied the tempo of the race which resulted in SUPER WINNER being awkwardly placed behind that horse in the middle stages. He said after having some difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight SUPER WINNER then finished off the race strongly over the latter stages. A veterinary inspection of HEZA BEAUTY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. WAR WEAPON, MALDIVES and GOLDEN LINK were sent for sampling.