12/02/2023  Shatin  Race 6

FORERUNNER, which was fractious whilst being saddled, was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race. The start of the event was delayed as BLUE MARLIN proved difficult to load. As the start was effected, BLUE MARLIN lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently was slow to begin. The barrier manners of BLUE MARLIN were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, BLUE MARLIN will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial. BILLIONAIRE SECRET jumped awkwardly and soon after the start was hampered when crowded for room between SPEEDSTAR and FORERUNNER which was taken in by SPEED FAY FAY. STRONGEST BOY jumped only fairly and then soon after was bumped by SMILING COLLECTOR which was taken out by REGENCY BO BO. REGENCY BO BO raced keenly in the early stages and near the 1100 Metres was steadied away from the heels of SPEED FAY FAY. After the 900 Metres, E RAINBOW was left racing wide and without cover. BLUE MARLIN raced keenly in the middle stages and for some distance near the 800 Metres was steadied away from BILLIONAIRE SECRET. Approaching the 400 Metres, SMILING COLLECTOR shifted out to improve and in doing so brushed STRONGEST BOY. BILLIONAIRE SECRET was held up behind FORERUNNER for some distance after the 400 Metres. After improving to the inside of FORERUNNER, BILLIONAIRE SECRET was then momentarily held up behind HELENE WISDOM STAR near the 250 Metres where it shifted to the outside of that runner to obtain clear running. FORERUNNER was briefly held up approaching the 300 Metres. When questioned regarding HELENE WISDOM STAR racing in a position outside the lead today, Apprentice Y L Chung stated that he was asked to position the horse where it was comfortable. He said from a wide barrier when HELENE WISDOM STAR jumped well, he elected to take advantage of its good start and rode HELENE WISDOM STAR in a positive manner where he was able to take up a position outside the lead more forward than he had anticipated. After the race, H Bowman reported that FORERUNNER was inclined to race a little keenly in the run, particularly with the moderate tempo and as a result found it difficult to make up ground in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of FORERUNNER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Also after the race, M F Poon reported that whilst REGENCY BO BO travelled comfortably in the run, he was of the view that at this stage of its career REGENCY BO BO may have some difficulty running out a strong 1400 Metres. A veterinary inspection of REGENCY BO BO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of E RAINBOW immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. RUN RUN BUDDY and SMILING COLLECTOR were sent for sampling.