01/07/2023  Shatin  Race 10

NOTORIOUS KING was withdrawn on 29.6.23 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (blood abnormality) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter NEVER TOO SOON. Before being allowed to race again, NOTORIOUS KING will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. On arrival at the Start, the tongue tie applied to CZARSON was refitted. STORM LEGEND jumped awkwardly and was bumped heavily by HOSS which shifted in abruptly. HAPPY DAILY shifted out at the start and bumped with SUPERB BOY. VIVA HUNTER also jumped awkwardly and made contact with the left side of its barrier. From a wide barrier, GALLANT CROWN was shifted across behind runners in the early stages and raced keenly. In the early stages, FALLON over-raced and near the 1000 Metres was steadied away from GALLANT CROWN. HAPPY DAILY was held up for clear running on the Home Turn and again approaching the 300 Metres was held up behind VIVA HUNTER before shifting to that runner’s outside to obtain clear running. Over the final 350 Metres, HOSS was held up behind HYPER DRAGON BALL and as a result could not be ridden out to the finish of the event. CZARSON had some difficulty obtaining clear running near the 200 Metres. VIVA HUNTER raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event. After the race, K Teetan (ROMAN TURBO) reported that his instructions were to obtain cover, but when caught wide in the early stages and with no prospect of holding a more forward position, he was obliged to restrain his mount to race towards the rear of the field to comply with his instructions. Also after the race, L Ferraris (WINNER METHOD) stated that with the anticipated slow early pace, he was given the option of taking up a forward position and lead if that was available to him. A veterinary inspection of HOSS, VIVA HUNTER and STORM LEGEND immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FLAMINGO TRILLION, SUPERB BOY and WINNER METHOD were sent for sampling.