23/01/2022  Shatin  Race 8

MARVEL DRAGON was crowded for room on jumping between AUGUST MOON and FANTASY SPRING, both of which shifted ground. CLASSIC MOON shifted out at the start and bumped PRESIDENT’S CHOICE. After this, CLASSIC MOON and PRESIDENT’S CHOICE were steadied to obtain cover. From wide barriers, DURHAM STAR and SIXTH GENERATION were also steadied in the early stage to obtain cover. Passing the 1100 Metres, AMAZING VICTORY shifted in and bumped FANTASY SPRING. Near the 950 Metres, FANTASY SPRING shifted out and bumped AMAZING VICTORY which was being steadied to obtain a position closer to the rail with cover. AUGUST MOON lay out rounding the Home Turn and was awkwardly placed inside BAEBAE TSOI. MARVEL DRAGON was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight. SIXTH GENERATION had some difficulty obtaining clear running passing the 400 Metres. Throughout the race, E BROTHER travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of CLASSIC MOON, K C Leung stated that as with its first start in Hong Kong when successful, CLASSIC MOON was ridden at the rear of the field today from a wide barrier. He said CLASSIC MOON travelled well in the early stages and initially responded well when the tempo of the race commenced to quicken after the 600 Metres. He said he shifted CLASSIC MOON to the outside of runners rounding the Home Turn, however, the horse came under pressure shortly after entering the Straight. He added after initially staying on one-paced when being ridden along, CLASSIC MOON would not respond to his riding after the 300 Metres and then was disappointing in the manner in which it failed to finish the race off. He said, in his opinion, CLASSIC MOON did not handle the increase in weight from 124 lbs last start to top weight of 133 lbs today. A veterinary inspection of CLASSIC MOON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of CLASSIC MOON, a last start winner and which finished at the rear of the field, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, CLASSIC MOON will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of BAEBAE TSOI immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. PINS PRINCE and LESLIE were sent for sampling.