20/11/2022  Shatin  Race 4

COMING PATCH was slow to begin. EQUILIBRIUM TURBO began only fairly. COMMANDING MISSILE shifted out at the start and bumped the hindquarters of HORSESAIN BOLT. COMMANDING MISSILE then became badly unbalanced when buffeted for room between AMBITIOUS HEART and HORSESAIN BOLT which was taken in by WAR WEAPON which was in turn taken in by SUPERB MOVE (H Bentley) which shifted in marginally when being ridden along. In this incident, WAR WEAPON was also hampered when crowded for room between HORSESAIN BOLT and SUPERB MOVE. H Bentley was told to ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground in similar circumstances. After this, both COMMANDING MISSILE and WAR WEAPON were steadied and shifted across behind runners. From a wide barrier, TURBO POWER was steadied on jumping and shifted across behind runners. After the 1200 Metres, COMING PATCH commenced to travel keenly. Passing the 800 Metres, EQUILIBRIUM TURBO was steadied away from the heels of A AMERIC TE SPECSO which making the turn after the 900 Metres was steadied after being awkwardly placed outside the heels of CIRCUIT MIGHTY. COMING PATCH, which was following EQUILIBRIUM TURBO and continuing to travel keenly, was steadied away from the heels of that horse in consequence. COMING PATCH then raced close to the heels of EQUILIBRIUM TURBO for some distance after this. COMING PATCH was held up for clear running from passing the 400 Metres until approaching the 200 Metres. COMING PATCH was then awkwardly placed outside the heels of A AMERIC TE SPECSO passing the 150 Metres. KING ECCELLENTE was held up for clear running from on straightening until near the 200 Metres. When held up for clear running, KING ECCELLENTE and SUPERB MOVE bumped passing the 350 Metres. Near the 350 Metres, WAR WEAPON got its head up on a number of occasions when being steadied away from the heels of EQUILIBRIUM TURBO when held up for clear running behind that horse and inside COMING PATCH. WAR WEAPON continued to be badly held up for clear running until passing the 200 Metres at which time the horse was shifted to the inside of EQUILIBRIUM TURBO to obtain clear running. Passing the 200 Metres, AMBITIOUS HEART was tightened for room between COMING PATCH and PEAK TO PEAK which was hampered when steadied away from the heels of HORSESAIN BOLT (J McDonald) which shifted in. J McDonald was reprimanded and told to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Approaching the 100 Metres, EQUILIBRIUM TURBO was awkwardly placed outside the heels of HELENE ALLIBOR. Throughout the race, AMBITIOUS HEART travelled wide and without cover. After the race, C Y Ho reported that he was not able to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance of PEAK TO PEAK. He said although PEAK TO PEAK was required to travel in a three wide position throughout the race, the horse had cover at all times. He said after shifting to the outside of AMBITIOUS HEART rounding the Home Turn, PEAK TO PEAK was disappointing in the manner in which it failed to finish the race off. A veterinary inspection of PEAK TO PEAK immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of COMING PATCH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CIRCUIT MIGHTY and SPLENDID LIVING were sent for sampling.