10/10/2021  Shatin  Race 3

NOBLE STEED began only fairly and then stumbled a short distance after the start when crowded for room between THE JOLLY and ROMANTIC TROVE which shifted out abruptly. WAH MAY LUCK shifted in on jumping and bumped THE ANOMALY. Shortly after the start, KING’S TROOPER shifted in and was steadied away from the heels of BEST FOR YOU. From wide barriers, GOLDEN FOUR and MAKE IT TURBO were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. EL JEFE was also steadied on jumping to obtain cover. After the 1300 Metres, KING’S TROOPER got its head up when awkwardly placed inside the heels of BEST FOR YOU. For some distance after this, KING’S TROOPER continued to travel keenly. KING’S TROOPER had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight and passing the 150 Metres was shifted to the outside of STUNNING IMPACT to continue improving. Throughout the race, STUNNING IMPACT travelled wide and without cover. Also throughout the race, DRAGON BABY travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. When questioned, K H Chan stated that he was asked to ride AURORA PEGASUS, which was racing over 1400 Metres for the first time today, wherever it was comfortable and it was felt that this may be in about a midfield position. He said after beginning well, he commenced to shift AURORA PEGASUS across with a view to obtaining cover, however, as there were a number of horses maintaining their positions to the inside of AURORA PEGASUS, he believed that he would have had to restrain AURORA PEGASUS heavily to obtain a midfield position with cover. He said as STUNNING IMPACT was improving its position forward of AURORA PEGASUS near the 1300 Metres, he rode his mount along to clear BEST FOR YOU with a view to then steadying AURORA PEGASUS and allowing STUNNING IMPACT to cross his mount which would provide AURORA PEGASUS with cover. He said however that when obtaining the position outside THE ANOMALY passing the 1300 Metres, STUNNING IMPACT was steadied by its rider which resulted in AURORA PEGASUS travelling keenly outside the lead. A veterinary inspection of DRAGON BABY, GOOD BEAUTY and GOLDEN FOUR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. THE ANOMALY and STUNNING IMPACT were sent for sampling.