26/10/2022  Shatin  Race 8

ICE LEGEND began awkwardly. JOLLY RULER also began awkwardly and bumped the inside of its gate, resulting in the horse beginning only fairly. Then a short distance after the start, JOLLY RULER was bumped by CALIFORNIA VANES which shifted out when being ridden along. EVERYONE’S VICTORY was steadied on jumping and shifted across behind runners from a wide barrier. Also from the outside barrier, GLORIOUS STARLIGHT was shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain a position closer to the rail. When being steadied to obtain cover approaching and passing the 1000 Metres, RED DESERT proved difficult to settle. Throughout the race, LUCKY QUALITY travelled wide and without cover and then making the turn near the 700 Metres was hampered and taken wider again by FAULDS which got its head on the side and lay out. Also throughout the race, PARTY WARRIOR travelled wide and without cover. Making the turn after the 700 Metres, CALIFORNIA VANES was momentarily hampered by PARTY WARRIOR which shifted in marginally. Passing the 500 Metres, CALIFORNIA VANES raced tight between SUPER WIN DRAGON and PARTY WARRIOR. SUPER WIN DRAGON was unable to obtain clear running until approaching the 200 Metres. ICE LEGEND was held up for clear running after the 100 Metres. ICE LEGEND then raced in restricted room between PARTY WARRIOR and REVE PARISIEN approaching the 50 Metres and then close to the finishing line was again awkwardly placed between PARTY WARRIOR and REVE PARISIEN. Because of this, ICE LEGEND was not able to be properly tested over the concluding stages. When questioned regarding the performance of CALIFORNIA VANES, Z Purton stated that the horse’s connections were of the belief that tonight’s race would provide CALIFORNIA VANES with the opportunity to be ridden in a trailing position with cover. He said after riding his mount along in the early stages to obtain a forward position, he was able to obtain cover behind REVE PARISIEN after the 1000 Metres. He said, in his opinion, CALIFORNIA VANES did not appreciate racing amongst horses as the horse did not travel as strongly as it had for him previously on the surface. He added that CALIFORNIA VANES came under pressure after the 700 Metres to hold its position and then in the Straight did not finish the race off. A veterinary inspection of CALIFORNIA VANES immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of GLORIOUS STARLIGHT and LUCKY QUALITY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SUPER WIN DRAGON and CALL ME TEDDY were sent for sampling.