16/04/2022  Shatin  Race 6

LEAP OF FAITH lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected and consequently was slow to begin. APACHE PASS shifted in at the start and brushed SO WE JOY. HAPPY ANGEL shifted out at the start and bumped the hindquarters of TURIN REDSTAR, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. From a wide barrier, PARTY EVERYDAY was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, TURIN REDSTAR raced close to the heels of INFINITE POWER. Near the 900 Metres, INFINITE POWER was taken very wide and without cover by APACHE PASS which shifted out to follow A LA KING. A LA KING got its head on the side and lay out rounding the Home Turn. At the 400 Metres, BEAUTY FIT was directed to the inside of ROMANTIC COMBO after that horse was taken out by SO WE JOY. Shortly after entering the Straight, LEAP OF FAITH was shifted out in an attempt to improve outside of A LA KING. As LEAP OF FAITH was shifting out, A LA KING in advance of LEAP OF FAITH was shifted to the outside of APACHE PASS. This resulted in LEAP OF FAITH being checked away from the heels of A LA KING passing the 300 Metres when disappointed for running. Approaching the 100 Metres, BEAUTY FIT was shifted out away from the heels of APACHE PASS to continue improving. Throughout the race, A LA KING travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, M F Poon (INFINITE POWER) stated that he was instructed to lead today’s race if possible. He said INFINITE POWER began only fairly and then despite being ridden along in the early stages did not show sufficient early speed to be able to obtain a forward position. He said he continued to attempt to improve between ROMANTIC COMBO and APACHE PASS approaching the winning post on the first occasion, however, was required to steady his mount passing the winning post on the first occasion as a result of APACHE PASS shifting out. He said this resulted in INFINITE POWER racing further back in the field than had been anticipated. A veterinary inspection of INFINITE POWER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of LEAP OF FAITH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SO WE JOY and APACHE PASS were sent for sampling.