04/07/2021  Shatin  Race 9

NORDIC SKY shifted in at the start and bumped WIND N GRASS. KASI FARASI shifted out abruptly on jumping, resulting in THE CROWN and MASTER MONTARO being crowded for room inside E STAR. After this, THE CROWN and MASTER MONTARO were shifted across behind runners. From wide barriers, ASSIMILATE and SUPER OASIS were also steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. Passing the 1200 Metres, AMAZING CHOCOLATE was crowded for room inside THE CROWN as both horses improved to be racing tight inside WINNING METHOD which then shifted in before being directed out to relieve the tightening to THE CROWN and AMAZING CHOCOLATE. Approaching the 1100 Metres, AMAZING CHOCOLATE was eased away from the heels of THE CROWN which shifted in away from the heels of WINNING METHOD. WINNING METHOD got its head up on a number of occasions making the turn near the 900 Metres when awkwardly placed close to the heels of NORDIC SKY. Then passing the 900 Metres, WINNING METHOD shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of E STAR. After the 800 Metres, AMAZING CHOCOLATE momentarily raced tight inside WINNING METHOD. Approaching the 600 Metres, E STAR was bumped by WINNING METHOD which continued to prove very difficult to settle and shifted out away from the heels of NORDIC SKY. The performance of TEAM SPIRIT, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. As this was the second time in its last two races that TEAM SPIRIT had finished tailed out, the Stewards ruled that that horse must satisfactorily undertake a series of consecutive barrier trials and be subjected to an official veterinary examination prior to being permitted to race again. A veterinary inspection of TEAM SPIRIT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Throughout the race, KASI FARASI travelled wide and without cover. THE CROWN lost its right front plate after the race. After the race, Z Purton stated that WINNING METHOD did not feel comfortable in its action in the early stages and then for some distance after the 900 Metres proved very difficult to settle. He said after riding WINNING METHOD along rounding the Home Turn, the horse gave him a limited response. He said WINNING METHOD’s action deteriorated over the latter stages of the race and after racing in restricted room between KASI FARASI and E STAR after the 200 Metres, he eased the horse down as it was well beaten. A veterinary inspection of WINNING METHOD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, WINNING METHOD will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. MASTER MONTARO, MISTER SNOWDON and CALIFORNIADEEPSHOT were sent for sampling.