TELECOM ROCKET shifted out shortly after the start and brushed the hindquarters of PLAY WISE. From the outside barriers, EXALTATION and GO BALLISTIC were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, SHADOW BREAKER momentarily raced tight inside FOCUS. Near the 650 Metres, GO BALLISTIC and EXALTATION bumped. Passing the 400 Metres, PERFECT TO PLAY was hampered when ALL YOU KNOW (K Teetan) shifted to the outside of PLAY WISE to obtain clear running. K Teetan was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Passing the 250 Metres, TELECOM ROCKET raced tight inside SHADOW BREAKER which shifted in. Near the 150 Metres, EXALTATION was directed out away from the heels of DYNAMIC EAGLE which shifted out. When questioned regarding the performance of FOCUS, J Moreira stated that after riding his mount along in the early stages from a wide barrier to clear the field, FOCUS then settled and travelled well in the lead in the middle stages. He said he was happy with the manner in which FOCUS travelled in the middle stages and anticipated that the horse would finish off the race well, particularly given that FOCUS had trialed well when ridden by him in the lead up to tonight’s race. He said passing the 500 Metres he had to commence riding FOCUS along which was at an earlier stage than he expected and FOCUS immediately came off the bridle and did not quicken as he expected. He said FOCUS stayed on one-paced rounding the Home Turn, however, at the entrance to the Straight immediately came under heavy pressure and gave ground noticeably which was of concern to him. He added FOCUS went from a leading position to give ground to be at the rear of the field prior to the 200 Metres and although he did not continue to ride FOCUS out over the concluding stages, it continued to give ground abruptly. He said having regard to the manner in which FOCUS weakened out of the race, he paid special attention to the horse’s action when returning to the unsaddling area, however, he was not able to detect any soundness issues which might explain the horse’s subpar performance. Mr P F Yiu, the trainer of FOCUS, said that following the horse’s disappointing performance at its last run last season, the horse had barrier trialed well in the lead up to tonight’s race. He said FOCUS had done well since its barrier trial and had pleased him. He said based on that trial he anticipated that the horse would perform well tonight. He said however that FOCUS again disappointed him in the manner in which it weakened in the Straight and he was not able to offer any reason for this. A veterinary inspection of FOCUS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. As this was the second consecutive race start in which FOCUS had weakened out of the race and performed disappointingly, the Stewards ruled that the horse must undertake a series of consecutive satisfactory barrier trials and undergo an official veterinary examination which must include additional diagnostic assessments before being permitted to race again. A veterinary inspection of SHADOW BREAKER and GO BALLISTIC immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FOCUS, ALL YOU KNOW and PLAY WISE were sent for sampling.

JOLLY GOOD HEART began only fairly and then was steadied away from the heels of SHAMPORT which shifted out shortly after the start. MASTER ALBERT shifted out at the start and bumped PEACH BLOSSOMS. Then from the outside barrier, PEACH BLOSSOMS was shifted across behind runners. Shortly after the start, THE RUNNER and FLYING ON THE TURF bumped. Despite being ridden along for some distance in the early stages, LE TERROIR failed to muster speed. After being ridden along in the initial stages, MASTER ALBERT was shifted in behind runners after the 1100 Metres, however, was left racing wide and without cover from the 900 Metres. For some distance after the 900 Metres, JOLLY GOOD HEART got its head up when proving very difficult to settle. Passing the 500 Metres, LE TERROIR momentarily raced in restricted room between JOLLY GOOD HEART which shifted out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of PRINCE OF BON BON and MASTER ALBERT which lay in towards the heels of THE RUNNER. After the 500 Metres, PRINCE OF BON BON momentarily became unbalanced. After the race, M F Poon reported that PEACH BLOSSOMS, which was having its first race start in Hong Kong tonight, raced greenly and was inclined to hang in and approaching the 900 Metres became unbalanced after shifting in and brushing the running rail. PEACH BLOSSOMS then shifted in abruptly after passing the 300 Metres and again became unbalanced of its own accord. LE TERROIR, SHAMPORT and MIG ENERGY were sent for sampling.

FLYING MONKEY was withdrawn 15.9.20 on by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (inappetence) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter FANTASTIC FABIO (K C Leung). Before being allowed to race again, FLYING MONKEY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. THE ONE began only fairly and then was bumped on jumping by TIGERLAD which shifted out. TIGERLAD then continued to shift out and was awkwardly placed inside the heels of CHUNGHWA JINGSHEN shortly after the start. WINNING WARRIOR shifted out at the start and hampered SHOW MISSION. From the outside barrier, SWEETLY BABY was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. SPICY REALLY was also steadied shortly after the start to obtain cover. Despite being vigorously ridden for some distance in the early stages, SMART THINKER failed to muster speed. Approaching the 900 Metres, CHUNGHWA JINGSHEN got its head up when being steadied to obtain cover behind FANTASTIC FABIO. SPICY REALLY travelled keenly approaching and passing the 900 Metres. Passing the 300 Metres, CHUNGHWA JINGSHEN was shifted out away from the heels of FANTASTIC FABIO. WINNING WARRIOR consequently shifted out away from CHUNGHWA JINGSHEN and inconvenienced ROMAN ODYSSEY near the 250 Metres. Passing the 100 Metres, SWEETLY BABY was shifted to the outside of TIGERLAD after being awkwardly placed behind that horse for a short distance. SWEETLY BABY then had some difficulty obtaining clear running over the concluding stages. Throughout the race, WINNING WARRIOR travelled wide and without cover. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that SWEETLY BABY had sustained a small laceration to the inside of the left hind fetlock. A veterinary inspection of THE ONE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. APOLLOS BOW and VITAL SPRING were sent for sampling.

As the start was effected, THE FULL BLOOM became fractious and consequently began only fairly. VIRTUS STAR shifted out at the start and bumped THE JOY OF GIVING. DRAGON PRIDE began awkwardly and then was inconvenienced by TREASURE CHEST which shifted out. Then from the outside barrier, DRAGON PRIDE was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Approaching the 900 Metres, WONDERFUL TIGER commenced to prove difficult to settle and stumbled after striking the heels of JOY MASTER. This resulted in WONDERFUL TIGER shifting out away from the heels of JOY MASTER and travelling wide and without cover. WONDERFUL TIGER was then allowed to improve its position passing the 800 Metres into the lead approaching the 600 Metres. Near the 550 Metres, POLYMER LUCK was steadied after being disappointed for running between TREASURE CHEST and NITRO EXPRESS which improved around POLYMER LUCK. VIRTUS STAR, which was following POLYMER LUCK, was shifted out away from the heels of that horse in consequence, resulting in DRAGON PRIDE being taken wider. A veterinary inspection of TREASURE CHEST immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. V CHEVALIERS and VIRTUS STAR were sent for sampling.

HEAVENLY THOUGHT and LONDON LUCKYSTAR bumped at the start. Shortly after the start, MAGNETISM and KIRAM were crowded for room between XIANG BAI QI and LIGHTNING STEED which shifted out. From the outside barriers, TANGMERE, LONDON LUCKYSTAR and NOBLE STEED were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, MAGNETISM raced tight inside KIRAM. After passing the winning post on the first occasion, NOBLE STEED momentarily raced tight inside XIANG BAI QI which shifted in after being awkwardly placed close to the heels of KIRAM. Passing the 1300 Metres, XIANG BAI QI got its head on the side and lay in away from SMILING CITY, resulting in NOBLE STEED being crowded for room. Over the concluding stages, NOBLE STEED was awkwardly placed behind HEAVENLY THOUGHT and consequently was not able to be ridden out all the way to the end of the race. When questioned, V Borges stated that he was instructed to position SMILING CITY in about midfield or behind midfield with cover. He said SMILING CITY began better than he expected and he immediately took hold of his mount with a view to obtaining cover. He said approaching the winning post on the first occasion XIANG BAI QI, KIRAM and MAGNETISM all maintained their position inside SMILING CITY and for this reason he was left racing three wide and without cover when XIANG BAI QI was steadied to obtain a trailing position behind KIRAM. He said he felt that although SMILING CITY began well, he would have had to ride his mount along somewhat to clear XIANG BAI QI and KIRAM in the early stages and this would have been contrary to his instructions. He added after being left racing three wide and without cover, he steadied his mount for a considerable distance approaching and passing the 1300 Metres with a view to attempting to obtain cover behind XIANG BAI QI which required him to come back a number of lengths, given that he had previously been racing in advance of that horse. He said when LONDON LUCKYSTAR maintained its position behind XIANG BAI QI after the 1200 Metres, this resulted in SMILING CITY being left racing three wide and without cover throughout the race. Mr D J Whyte, the trainer of SMILING CITY, stated that he anticipated that XIANG BAI QI, which was drawn more favourably than SMILING CITY, may make it difficult for SMILING CITY to obtain a position with cover and therefore he instructed Jockey Borges, in the first instance, to try and clear XIANG BAI QI and obtain cover, however, if that horse was able to maintain its position to the inside of SMILING CITY, then it was acceptable to him to steady SMILING CITY and obtain a trailing position behind XIANG BAI QI. He said given the way that SMILING CITY began tonight, he felt that the opportunity existed for Jockey Borges to be positive on SMILING CITY and clear XIANG BAI QI and KIRAM to its inside as once the horse was left racing in a three wide position approaching the winning post on the first occasion, it was going to be difficult for him to obtain cover. V Borges was advised that the Stewards would report his explanation, however, in their opinion, he had not been assertive enough in the early stages, particularly having regard to SMILING CITY beginning well. He was told to ensure that, wherever appropriate circumstances permit, to do his utmost to avoid covering unnecessary ground. A veterinary inspection of LONDON LUCKYSTAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SMILING CITY, LIGHTNING STEED and JOLLY HONOUR were sent for sampling.

NORDIC WARRIOR was slow to begin. LUCKY QUALITY and INCANTO PREPARED bumped at the start and again a short distance after the start, resulting in INCANTO PREPARED becoming unbalanced. From the outside barrier, MANNA FROM HEAVEN was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After travelling a short distance, VICTORY IN HAND got its head on the side, shifted in and bumped HERCULES. VICTORY IN HAND then shifted out abruptly when being corrected. Despite being ridden along for some distance in the early stages, JADE THEATRE failed to muster speed. Making the turn near the 950 Metres, SUNNY SMILE got its head on the side and lay out towards the heels of HERCULES. Passing the 800 Metres, SPACE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of VERY RICH MAN. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, HERCULES raced tight outside SPACE which shifted out when continuing to be awkwardly placed behind VERY RICH MAN. SPACE was then steadied away from VERY RICH MAN near the 550 Metres when unable to improve outside that horse. As SUNNY SMILE was giving ground at the 350 Metres, it became unbalanced, shifted in and bumped JADE THEATRE. SUNNY SMILE continued to give ground and finished tailed out. A veterinary inspection of SUNNY SMILE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of SUNNY SMILE was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SUNNY SMILE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Passing the 300 Metres, MANNA FROM HEAVEN raced tight outside INCANTO PREPARED which got its head on the side and shifted out. After the race, K Teetan stated that he placed VICTORY IN HAND under pressure before the Home Turn as it was not travelling well. He said after being placed under pressure, VICTORY IN HAND then weakened and was disappointing with the blinkers applied. A veterinary inspection of VICTORY IN HAND immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Also after the race, A Badel reported that NORDIC WARRIOR was always off the bridle due to the good tempo. He said because NORDIC WARRIOR was never able to travel comfortably, in his opinion, this accounted for the horse’s failure to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of NORDIC WARRIOR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of SPACE immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, SPACE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. HERCULES and LUCKY QUALITY were sent for sampling.

FLYING PHOTOS and SPRINT FORWARD bumped at the start. From the outside barriers, SPLIT OF A SECOND and ALLOY KING were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After travelling a short distance, FLYING PHOTOS, which was racing greenly, shifted out, resulting in SPRINT FORWARD being taken out onto COMPASSION STAR which was crowded for room and in turn shifted out and bumped DAILY BEAUTY. For some distance after this, FLYING PHOTOS continued to race greenly, got its head up and after the 1100 Metres shifted out, causing SPRINT FORWARD to be crowded for room inside ORIENTAL ELITE. FLYING PHOTOS then raced erratically and got its head up on a number of occasions and near the 900 Metres got its head on the side and shifted in towards the heels of SUPREME PLUS. FLYING PHOTOS then shifted in abruptly approaching the 850 Metres, resulting in HONEST WAY being hampered when having to be steadied away from the heels of that horse. FLYING PHOTOS continued to race erratically and shifted in passing the 800 Metres, resulting in HONEST WAY losing ground when steadied away from the heels of that horse which continued to get its head up for some distance when awkwardly placed behind SUPREME PLUS. FLYING PHOTOS got its head on the side and lay in making the turn after the 600 Metres, resulting in DAILY BEAUTY becoming unbalanced when awkwardly placed inside that horse. HONEST WAY, which was racing to the outside of DAILY BEAUTY, lost ground when crowded for rom between ORIENTAL ELITE and DAILY BEAUTY which shifted out when unbalanced. RUN THE TABLE, which was racing outside HONEST WAY, was inconvenienced in consequence. The racing manners of FLYING PHOTOS were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, FLYING PHOTOS will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial around a bend. After the 800 Metres, ORIENTAL ELITE was left racing wide and without cover. Passing the 500 Metres, SPLIT OF A SECOND became unbalanced when reluctant to improve into tight running inside HONEST WAY. Approaching the 200 Metres, COMPASSION STAR shifted out and bumped FLYING PHOTOS. Near the 50 Metres, COMPASSION STAR was momentarily awkwardly placed outside SPRINT FORWARD which shifted out away from the heels of DAILY BEAUTY. A veterinary inspection of SPRINT FORWARD and ALLOY KING immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SELL MY SOLE, SUPREME PLUS and HAPPY GOOD GUYS were sent for sampling.

ETERNAL HARVEST began only fairly. GREEN AEON began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped LOVING A BOOM. GREEN AEON was then hampered by LOVING A BOOM which shifted out after becoming unbalanced due to the initial contact from GREEN AEON. In this incident, ETERNAL HARVEST was inconvenienced as a result of GREEN AEON shifting out. BALTIC WHISPER was crowded for room on jumping between AMAZING KIWI and FLYING GENIUS. FLYING GENIUS was then slow to muster speed despite being ridden along. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, HEART CONQUERED got its head on the side and lost ground when awkwardly placed inside the heels of VERY SWEET ORANGE. Also making the turn after the 600 Metres, ETERNAL HARVEST was crowded for room between FLYING GENIUS which shifted in marginally and GREEN AEON which made the turn awkwardly and shifted out. In this incident, BALTIC WHISPER got its head on the side and shifted out away from ETERNAL HARVEST. Passing the 300 Metres, LOVING A BOOM was shifted to the inside of HEART CONQUERED. Passing the 200 Metres, GREEN AEON and AMAZING KIWI brushed. Near the 150 Metres, AMAZING KIWI, which was giving ground, was steadied and shifted out away from the heels of GREEN AEON (J Moreira) which shifted out under pressure. J Moreira was severely reprimanded and told that in similar circumstances he would be expected to stop riding and straighten his mount sooner than he did on this occasion. Passing the 150 Metres, LOVING A BOOM was checked when disappointed for running between NEXTMODEL and HEART CONQUERED which, after shifting out marginally, then shifted back in. As the Stewards were satisfied that LOVING A BOOM had not established running to the outside of NEXTMODEL at any stage, no further action was taken. LOVING A BOOM then raced tight between NEXTMODEL and HEART CONQUERED passing the 100 Metres when improving into restricted room between those horses. Throughout the race, MOMENT OF POWER travelled wide and without cover. After the race, it was noted that ETERNAL HARVEST had sustained an abrasion to the left front cannon. A veterinary inspection of FLYING GENIUS and NEXTMODEL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. ETERNAL HARVEST, GREEN AEON and SAUL’S SPECIAL were sent for sampling.