26/06/2021  Shatin  Race 6

SUPERB DADDY was checked on jumping when crowded for room between WINWIN THIRTYTHREE and PURE LEGEND which shifted in abruptly. In this incident, PURE LEGEND continued to shift in despite the efforts of its rider and bumped WINWIN THIRTYTHREE which was then bumped on the hindquarters by BRILLIANT CHINA which shifted out after beginning only fairly. From the outside barriers, GO GO SIXTEEN and CASA KINGDOM were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 1300 Metres, SUPERB DADDY raced tight inside DRAGON FORTUNE which shifted in. Passing the 1200 Metres, CORDYCEPS KING got its head up and travelled keenly when being steadied to obtain cover behind ALL BEST FRIENDS. Near the 850 Metres, WINWIN THIRTYTHREE was steadied away from the heels of ALL BEST FRIENDS which shifted in marginally. BRILLIANT CHINA had some difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight and approaching the 250 Metres was shifted to the outside of WINWIN THIRTYTHREE to obtain clear running after being disappointed for running between that horse and ALL BEST FRIENDS (H W Lai) which shifted out when commencing to give ground. H W Lai was told that whilst the Stewards accepted that ALL BEST FRIENDS had come under pressure and was not responding to his riding, nonetheless he has an obligation to continue to test his mounts at least hands and heels over the concluding stages where appropriate circumstances exist. GO GO SIXTEEN had some difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Approaching the 300 Metres, CORDYCEPS KING was bumped by TOP SCORE which shifted out away from DRAGON FORTUNE. Throughout the race, TOP SCORE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the performance of LIGHT OF WANSHI, C Y Ho stated that, in his opinion, the horse was not suited by the moderate tempo of the race. He said LIGHT OF WANSHI had always relaxed in its races when ridden by him, however, today the horse was inclined to race keenly and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of EASY FORTUNE approaching and passing the 800 Metres. He said after shifting LIGHT OF WANSHI to the outside of runners rounding the Home Turn, the horse did not quicken on today’s track surface as well as it did last start when it appeared to appreciate the "Good to Firm” surface. He added whilst LIGHT OF WANSHI was somewhat disappointing in today’s race, he did believe that there were circumstances which accounted for the horse’s failure to close off the race as strongly as it did last start. A veterinary inspection of LIGHT OF WANSHI immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of CORDYCEPS KING and TOP SCORE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. VICTORY SCHOLARS and BRILLIANT CHINA were sent for sampling.