16/10/2022  Shatin  Race 10

SCIENCE PATCH, which was leaning on the outside of it stall as the start was effected, began very awkwardly and lost ground. SETANTA was crowded for room on jumping between NAMJONG SINGS and FUN N GLORY which shifted in. SEASONS BLISS shifted out at the start and bumped PRIVATE ROCKET. LUCKY QUALITY was crowded for room on jumping between READY TO WIN and GOOD BUDDY, both of which shifted ground. After this, from a wide barrier, LUCKY QUALITY was shifted across behind runners to obtain a position closer to the rail. In the early stages, FUN N GLORY got its head on the side and lay in. Making the first turn after the 900 Metres, SUPER WINNER got its head up when awkwardly placed behind PRIVATE ROCKET. Approaching the 300 Metres, LUCKY QUALITY was checked away from the heels of GOOD BUDDY which, when improving to the outside of SEASONS BLISS, was taken out by MILLENNIUM FALCON which got its head on the side and lay out away from FUN N GLORY which itself was shifting out to obtain clear running. As the Stewards were of the opinion that there was no carelessness exhibited by any rider in this incident, no further action was taken. For the majority of the race, READY TO WIN travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, L Ferraris stated that in pre-race discussions with the connections of GOOD BUDDY, it was felt that today’s race contained a number of horses that generally race on the speed than was the case at GOOD BUDDY’s most recent start when racing down in grade. He said due to a lack of pace engaged in the race at its most recent start, GOOD BUDDY was able to be ridden in a forward position, however, it was believed that in today’s race in order to obtain a more forward position, considerable use would have to be made of GOOD BUDDY and therefore the horse may not be able to finish the race off strongly. He said it was also noted that GOOD BUDDY had raced successfully when ridden from a position worse than midfield from a wide barrier and therefore given the anticipated tempo of the race it was felt that GOOD BUDDY would not be disadvantaged by being ridden more quietly than it was at its most recent start. A veterinary inspection of GOOD BUDDY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned, A Hamelin stated that he was instructed to ride SUPER WINNER in about 5th or 6th position behind the speed given today’s race was over 1200 Metres and that there was a considerable number of speed horses engaged in the race. He said SUPER WINNER began well and he immediately attempted to obtain a position with cover which he was able to obtain behind PRIVATE ROCKET passing the 1000 Metres. He said whilst he was instructed not to pursue a forward position, he was of the opinion that SUPER WINNER would not have been able to clear runners to its inside given the manner in which SUPER FORTUNE and PACKING TREADMILL were being ridden in the early stages to obtain a leading position from wider barriers. BUNDLE OF CHARM, PACKING TREADMILL and SUPER FORTUNE were sent for sampling.