EASY GOLD and LIFE OF BEAUTY lost ground when crowded for room shortly after the start between EASY AHEAD and JUGGERNAUT which got its head on the side and shifted out. From a wide barrier, YUAN’S FORTUNE was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, LIFE OF BEAUTY proved difficult to settle when being steadied away from the heels of EASY GOLD. When questioned, Apprentice C Y Ho (EL GRANDE) stated that in the early and middle stages he was positioned to the outside of EASY AHEAD which was leading the race. He said on a number of occasions after the 1000 Metres he looked to obtain a position with cover as EL GRANDE was attempting 1650 Metres for the first time tonight. He said passing the 800 Metres a margin developed between EASY AHEAD and JOYFUL WINNER II on the fence. He said for this reason he shifted EL GRANDE in to the position on the fence following EASY AHEAD near the 700 Metres to obtain cover as he felt that this would benefit EL GRANDE in its ability to run out the distance. He added EL GRANDE travelled well behind EASY AHEAD and inside JUGGERNAUT until rounding the Home Turn at which time the horse became momentarily unbalanced when briefly crowded for room inside JUGGERNAUT. He said after this EL GRANDE had clear and uninterrupted running. A veterinary inspection of COMMON GOAL and EASY AHEAD after the race did not show any significant findings. NOBLE DE BEST, EASY GOLD and JUGGERNAUT were sent for sampling. The Stewards opened an inquiry into Jockey H W Lai’s handling of COMMON GOAL in this race. After taking evidence from Jockey Lai and Mr T W Leung, the trainer of COMMON GOAL, the inquiry was adjourned until a date to be fixed.
+ - Trump Card
* - Priority to Run
() - Order of Trainer Preference
MA288 Rating - Included Handicap Adjustment
- Under Rated
- Gain benefit in rating
- Reach last winning rating
- Good in sectional
- Did win in wet track
- Placed in wet track
- Won in Soft or Heavy Track
- Placed in Soft or Heavy Track
- Improve after jockey change
- Work Hardly
- Only available for Professional Plan user