26/10/2022  Shatin  Race 5

KILLER INSTINCT began only fairly and then lost ground when badly crowded for room between SPEEDSTAR and BRILLIANT LIFE which began awkwardly and shifted out abruptly despite the efforts of its rider. In this incident, both BRILLIANT LIFE and SPEEDSTAR became unbalanced as a result of KILLER INSTINCT being buffeted for room. COLOURFUL BARON began awkwardly and then was bumped by DRAGON KINGDOM which shifted out. Then from the outside barrier, COLOURFUL BARON was shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, STARRY NIGHT was slow to muster speed and then was steadied to obtain cover from a wide barrier near the 1150 Metres after being tightened for room between SUPER JOY and DRAGON KINGDOM. When being steadied to obtain cover behind SUPER JOY near the 800 Metres, STARRY NIGHT commenced to travel keenly. STARRY NIGHT then continued to travel keenly and passing the 800 Metres got its head up when racing close to the heels of TOUCH FAITH. FIERY DIAMOND had some difficulty obtaining clear running passing the 300 Metres when being shifted to the outside of STAND UP. KILLER INSTINCT had difficulty obtaining clear running from on straightening until after the 200 Metres. For the majority of the race, SUPER JOY travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, A Badel stated that it was anticipated that TOUCH FAITH would be ridden in about a midfield position tonight. He said despite TOUCH FAITH beginning well, he was reluctant to ride his mount along to maintain a forward position as at its last start at Happy Valley the horse had not finished the race off when ridden along in the early stages to maintain a forward position. He said therefore he elected to attempt to obtain a trailing position behind STAND UP in the early stages. He said due to the manner in which TOUCH FAITH began, it took him some time to be able to steady his mount sufficiently to obtain a position behind STAND UP by which time BRILLIANT LIFE was able to maintain its position to the inside of TOUCH FAITH. He said therefore he continued to steady his mount in the early stages to obtain a position with cover behind SUPER JOY making the first turn near the 700 Metres. FIERY DIAMOND and STAND UP were sent for sampling.