08/01/2023  Shatin  Race 1

Whilst in the saddling stalls, WAH MAY LUCK sustained an abrasion to the right hind fetlock. WAH MAY LUCK was examined by the Veterinary Officer at the Start and passed suitable to race. SEATOSKY began only fairly and then was crowded for room on jumping between WAH MAY LUCK and SEA MONARCH which shifted out. VIVA A LA shifted out at the start and bumped the hindquarters of REGENCY GEM. KARUIZAWA and SPEED FORCE bumped at the start. After this, from the outside barriers, KARUIZAWA and SPEED FORCE were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Also from a wide barrier, RUN DES RUN was steadied on jumping and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. When being steadied approaching the winning post on the first occasion, KARUIZAWA proved very difficult to settle and got its head up when awkwardly placed close to heels of LONDON LUCKYSTAR which was also being steadied to obtain cover. Also approaching and passing the winning post on the first occasion, VIVA A LA raced keenly and got its head up when being steadied in an attempt to obtain cover. Then after passing the winning post on the first occasion, VIVA A LA was left racing wide and without cover and after the 1200 Metres was allowed to improve its position to race outside the lead. After the 1300 Metres, LONDON LUCKYSTAR travelled keenly and was awkwardly placed behind SMILING FACE. After the 1200 Metres, SEA MONARCH travelled keenly in the lead. Passing the 1000 Metres, DAILY BEAUTY was shifted out and ridden along to obtain a position outside the lead and after this travelled wide and without cover. Making the turn near the 700 Metres, SMILING FACE and SPEED FORCE bumped. SMART FOLKS was held up for clear running rounding the Home Turn and passing the 200 Metres was shifted to the inside of DAILY BEAUTY when disappointed for running between that horse and COLOURFUL BARON. When questioned, C L Chau stated that he attempted to shift RUN DES RUN away from the rail along the Back Straight, however, due to SMILING FACE being positioned to his outside, he was unable to shift out at that time. He said after the 600 Metres he shifted away from behind SEATOSKY to follow STEEL WIN which he felt would be a better horse to follow with a view to taking him into the race rounding the Home Turn. He said STEEL WIN came under pressure and was staying on only fairly prior to the 500 Metres and when a tight run appeared to the outside of STEEL WIN passing the 500 Metres, he attempted to shift out to improve between STEEL WIN and REGENCY GEM. He added when this run closed prior to RUN DES RUN being able to improve, this resulted in RUN DES RUN being held up for clear running rounding the Home Turn. He said after placing RUN DES RUN under pressure in the early part of the Straight, RUN DES RUN was again held up for clear running passing the 200 Metres. A veterinary inspection of VIVA A LA, STEEL WIN and SPEED FORCE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. RUN DES RUN, DAILY BEAUTY and COLOURFUL BARON were sent for sampling.