05/12/2021  Shatin  Race 1

WITTY SCHOLAR lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected and lost a considerable amount of ground. Before being allowed to race again, WITTY SCHOLAR will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. From the outside barriers, MAKE IT TURBO and YES WE CAN were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. When being steadied to obtain cover approaching the winning post on the first occasion, JOYFUL HEART got its head up and raced keenly. Then after being crossed by TOYCOON after the 1500 Metres, JOYFUL HEART continued to get its head up when awkwardly placed behind that horse. For some distance in the middle stages, OWNERS’ STAR got its head on the side and lay in. Near the 800 Metres, DRAGON COMMANDER was left racing wide and without cover. SUPER FAST was inclined to lay in over the latter stages. MAKE IT TURBO lay in under pressure in the Straight. When questioned, R Maia (SUPER FAST) stated that he was instructed to attempt to obtain cover behind the leaders if possible. He said it was explained to him that SUPER FAST had not been showing as much early speed in its recent races as anticipated and, with the step-up in distance, it was felt that the horse may be able to obtain a more forward position. He said he was asked to obtain cover behind the speed as the horse was carrying top weight in today’s race and it was felt that this would afford the horse with the best opportunity to close off the race. He said after beginning positively he rode his mount along in the early stages and was able to shift across to race on the speed passing the winning post on the first occasion. He said he had hoped to obtain a position behind AMAZING TEENS shortly after passing the winning post on the first occasion, however, OWNERS’ STAR maintained its position to the inside of SUPER FAST and this resulted in SUPER FAST being left racing wide and without cover for some distance after the 1500 Metres. He added when the tempo of the race increased near the 800 Metres, SUPER FAST was then able to shift in to obtain a position with cover behind AMAZING TEENS. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on YES WE CAN at the request of Trainer T P Yung. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse’s trachea. Before being allowed to race again, YES WE CAN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of DRAGON COMMANDER, MAKE IT TURBO and OWNERS’ STAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. YES WE CAN, AMAZING TEENS and TOYCOON were sent for sampling.