WICKER began only fairly. CHAPARRAL STAR began very awkwardly, shifted out towards the heels of AEROFLASH and consequently lost ground. ROMANTIC JOURNEY and VICTORIOUS SEEKER bumped at the start. SKY GEM shifted in at the start and bumped REEVE’S MUNTJAC. Then from wide barriers, SKY GEM and REEVE’S MUNTJAC were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Also from the outside barrier, AEROFLASH was steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. Near the 2100 Metres, WICKER shifted out and made contact with ROMANTIC JOURNEY. Then passing the 2100 Metres, ROMANTIC JOURNEY got its head up when being steadied to obtain cover behind WICKER after racing tight between that horse and YOUNG GLORY. In the early stages, CHAPARRAL STAR was left racing wide and without cover and approaching the winning post on the first occasion was allowed to improve to race outside the lead after the 1300 Metres. Passing the 1600 Metres, WICKER, which was travelling keenly, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of ART OF RAW and near the 1500 Metres shifted out away from behind that horse and bumped GREAT SMART. WICKER then continued to travel keenly and approaching the winning post on the first occasion again became awkward near the heels of ART OF RAW, shifted out and made contact with GREAT SMART, resulting in that horse being taken into a three wide position and after the 1300 Metres being left racing wide and without cover until near the 600 Metres. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, DIVINE POWER became unbalanced of its own accord. VICTORIOUS SEEKER, which was following DIVINE POWER, was steadied away from the heels of that horse in consequence. Near the 950 Metres, ROMANTIC JOURNEY got its head up when awkwardly placed inside the hindquarters of WICKER. Passing the 600 Metres, CHAPARRAL STAR shifted out and raced tight inside GARLIC YEAH. When CHAPARRAL STAR shifted out, VICTORIOUS SEEKER improved into tight running between CHAPARRAL STAR and DIVINE POWER which came under pressure. Then passing the 500 Metres, CHAPARRAL STAR bumped the hindquarters of GARLIC YEAH when racing tight between that horse and VICTORIOUS SEEKER. As a result of the contact, GARLIC YEAH became unbalanced and shifted in marginally, causing CHAPARRAL STAR to be crowded for room. WICKER, which was following, was shifted out away from the heels of CHAPARRAL STAR in consequence. As the Stewards were satisfied that there was no rider error attached to this incident, no further action was taken. Near the 550 Metres, GREAT SMART and YOUNG GLORY bumped. Near the 450 Metres, WICKER and GREAT SMART raced tight as WICKER attempted to shift to the outside of VICTORIOUS SEEKER. Near the 250 Metres, VICTORIOUS SEEKER became unbalanced when racing tight outside ART OF RAW which improved into restricted running between VICTORIOUS SEEKER and DIVINE POWER which was giving ground. J Moreira (ROMANTIC JOURNEY) was spoken to regarding his use of the whip on a horse out of contention. He was also warned against the practice of using his whip forward of the shoulder. After the race, Z Purton was not able to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance of GARLIC YEAH other than to observe that the horse was up considerably in weight for tonight’s race and this was the first occasion for some time that the horse was required to carry a big weight. A veterinary inspection of GARLIC YEAH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of ROMANTIC JOURNEY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. GARLIC YEAH, SKY GEM and ART OF RAW were sent for sampling.

As the start was effected, EURO LAGO lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently was slow to begin. NOBLE DESIRE shifted in at the start and bumped the hindquarters of COMPASSION STAR which became unbalanced. COMPASSION STAR then became unbalanced and shifted out, resulting in NOBLE DESIRE and WAYFOONG CHARMER being crowded for room inside DIAMOND STAR which became badly unbalanced after being bumped by WAYFOONG CHARMER. SPLENDID TIMING, which was being steadied to obtain cover, was shifted out away from the heels of DIAMOND STAR in consequence. GENERAL CASTLEDALE and E MASTER were shifted across behind runners from wide barriers in the early stages. Making the turn near the 1000 Metres, NAVAS and NOBLE DESIRE raced tight inside WAYFOONG CHARMER which got its head on the side and shifted in away from SPARKLING LIFE. Near the 650 Metres, COMPASSION STAR was momentarily steadied away from the heels of FOCUS (T Piccone) which shifted in when not quite clear when crossing into the lead. T Piccone was advised to ensure that he provides sufficient clearance when shifting ground. Making the turn after the 550 Metres, NOBLE DESIRE got its head on the side and lay out. Rounding the Home Turn, WAYFOONG CHARMER and NAVAS raced tight as NAVAS shifted to the outside of ALL TIMES GRATEFUL into clear running. Approaching the 200 Metres, E MASTER and SPARKLING LIFE bumped. EURO LAGO lay in under pressure in the Straight. For the majority of the race, SPARKLING LIFE travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of E MASTER 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, E MASTER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of DIAMOND STAR and SPARKLING LIFE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. COMPASSION STAR and WAYFOONG CHARMER were sent for sampling.

CHARGE ON (L Hewitson) began awkwardly and lost ground. After this, CHARGE ON was ridden along to obtain a more forward position. After the race, L Hewitson reported that his saddle shifted back in the early stages, placing him at a disadvantage. PRAWN YEAH YEAH was crowded for room on jumping between AURORA STEED which shifted out and FLYING PHOTOS which began awkwardly and shifted in. THIS IS CHARISMA was then bumped a short distance after the start by AURORA STEED as a result of both horses shifting ground. After this, from the outside barriers, THIS IS CHARISMA, AURORA STEED, PRAWN YEAH YEAH and FLYING PHOTOS were all shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. Shortly after the start, VOYAGE STAR got its head on the side, shifted out and bumped LET’S GO PARTY. Near the 1100 Metres, THIS IS CHARISMA was awkwardly placed close to the heels of LET’S GO PARTY when being steadied to obtain cover. Passing the 800 Metres, BEST SMILE became unbalanced of its own accord. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, NOBLE CONSORT shifted out marginally and bumped the hindquarters of VOYAGE STAR which lay in. Approaching the 400 Metres, THIS IS CHARISMA was awkwardly placed behind CHARGE ON. Approaching the 100 Metres, PRAWN YEAH YEAH was shifted to the inside of AURORA STEED after being awkwardly placed behind that horse which shifted out under pressure. CALIFORNIA RAD, SHAMPORT and CONFUCIUS DAY were sent for sampling.

ROYAL RACER shifted out at the start and bumped KANBEKI MOLLY. Shortly after the start, HAPPY HOUR was bumped by SHANGHAI DRAGON which shifted out away from STAR MAJESTIC. From the outside barriers, LET’S TAKE IT EASY and NITRO EXPRESS were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. TURF BRILLIANT was also steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. After being crossed by CIRCUIT NUMBER ONE passing the 1100 Metres, SHANGHAI DRAGON commenced to travel keenly and was awkwardly placed behind that horse for a short distance. Then approaching the 800 Metres, SHANGHAI DRAGON was shifted out away from behind CIRCUIT NUMBER ONE, resulting in KANBEKI MOLLY being taken into a position three wide and without cover. When this occurred, ROYAL RACER improved to be racing behind SHANGHAI DRAGON. KANBEKI MOLLY was consequently ridden along passing the 750 Metres to clear SHANGHAI DRAGON to obtain a position one horse off the rail in the lead. Rounding the Home Turn, MERIDIAN TALENT was awkwardly placed behind STAR MAJESTIC. In the early part of the Straight, NITRO EXPRESS had some difficulty obtaining clear running and near the 150 Metres raced tight inside TURF BRILLIANT. Ove the concluding stages, TURF BRILLIANT was awkwardly placed outside the heels of NITRO EXPRESS. A veterinary inspection of ENJOY LIFE, KANBEKI MOLLY and HAPPY HOUR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of SHANGHAI DRAGON 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, SHANGHAI DRAGON will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. FLASH FAMOUS and ROYAL RACER were sent for sampling. <23/1/2020 Additional Veterinary Report>SHANGHAI DRAGON, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse’s trachea. SHANGHAI DRAGON was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer T P Yung this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left hind leg. As previously advised, SHANGHAI DRAGON will be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again. KANBEKI MOLLY, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time there were no significant findings. KANBEKI MOLLY was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer P F Yiu this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, KANBEKI MOLLY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

BRAVE POWER was withdrawn on 21.1.20 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore and right hind) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter WINNER’S HEART. Before being allowed to race again, BRAVE POWER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SUPER WINNER began only fairly. SMART THINKER began awkwardly and then became badly unbalanced when bumped by WINNER’S HEART which shifted out. SKY FIELD and WINNING STRIKES bumped at the start and then from the outside barriers both horses were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 750 Metres, EXCEL DELIGHT was awkwardly placed close to the heels of CHUNGHWA JINGSHEN when being steadied to obtain cover behind that horse. Making the turn near the 550 Metres, SUPER WINNER got its head on the side and shifted out towards the heels of CHUNGHWA JINGSHEN and was consequently checked away from the heels of that horse and lost ground. SMART OF YOUTH, which was following SUPER WINNER, was hampered in consequence and shifted out, resulting in ISLAND WINNER being taken wider. ISLAND WINNER then got its head on the side and lay out away from SMART OF YOUTH. SUPER WINNER had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight and approaching the 200 Metres was shifted to the inside of WINNER’S HEART. SUPER WINNER was then held up for clear running passing the 150 Metres and near the 100 Metres was shifted to the outside of WINNER’S HEART. When questioned, J Moreira stated that as it was anticipated that tonight’s race would be run at a fast tempo, he was asked to position SMART OF YOUTH in behind the speed if possible in about 3rd or 4th position. He said after momentarily racing in restricted room shortly after the start inside VERY SWEET ORANGE, he believed he would have had to make too much use of SMART OF YOUTH to obtain the positon as instructed and therefore he elected to shift his mount across behind runners and obtain a position closer to the rail which resulted in the horse racing further back in the field than had been intended. He added after being hampered near the 500 Metres he shifted SMART OF YOUTH to the outside of runners passing the 300 Metres and SMART OF YOUTH then closed off the race well. A veterinary inspection of ISLAND WINNER and EXCEL DELIGHT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SUPER WINNER, VERY SWEET ORANGE and DR PROACTIVE were sent for sampling.

SUNNY POWER was withdrawn on 21.1.20 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter ROMAN IMPERO (H N Wong). Before being allowed to race again, SUNNY POWER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. As the tongue tie could not be fitted to AFTER ME in the saddling area, permission was granted for that horse to proceed to the Start at which time it was intended for the tongue tie to be fitted. When being fitted with the tongue tie after arriving at the Start, AFTER ME became fractious, reared and fell over. Acting on veterinary advice that AFTER ME was not suitable to race, that horse was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, AFTER ME will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After being loaded into the barriers, ROMAN IMPERO became fractious and after settling then reared abruptly simultaneously with the start being effected, resulting in the horse losing a considerable amount of ground. Before being allowed to race again, ROMAN IMPERO will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial. SANGRIA and STARLIT KNIGHT bumped heavily at the start, resulting in both horses becoming badly unbalanced and for STARLIT KNIGHT to shift out and bump BEAUTY ANGEL. From the outside barriers, BRIGHT KID and RIGHTEOUS MATE were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After the 1300 Metres, SANGRIA and FULL POWER raced tight and near the 1250 Metres bumped. After this, SANGRIA raced wide and without cover. After being crossed by BEAUTY ANGEL near the 1100 Metres, SUMSTREETSUMWHERE proved very difficult to settle and got its head up when being checked away from the heels of that horse for some distance. BRIGHT KID got its head up on a number of occasions after the 1000 Metres when proving difficult to settle. Near the 900 Metres, DOCTORS DELIGHT was awkwardly placed close to the heels of STARLIT KNIGHT. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of RIGHTEOUS MATE, T Piccone stated that his mount travelled satisfactorily during the race although he was of the opinion that the slow tempo of the race did not suit the horse. He said he placed RIGHTEOUS MATE under heavy pressure prior to the 500 Metres, however, his mount did not respond and failed to close off the race as anticipated. A veterinary inspection of RIGHTEOUS MATE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. A veterinary inspection of SANGRIA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. DOR DOR and STARLIT KNIGHT were sent for sampling. <23/1/2020 Additional Veterinary Report>AFTER ME, which was withdrawn at the Start as a result of becoming fractious, rearing and falling over, was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer P F Yiu this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front and right hind legs. As previously advised, AFTER ME will be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.

FARSHAD shifted out at the start and bumped JADE FORTUNE. REYNOLDS and KIRAM bumped at the start. When being steadied to obtain cover near the 1600 Metres, LAOS ENLIGHTENMENT was awkwardly placed outside the heels of JADE FORTUNE. In the early stages, REYNOLDS, RACING LUCK and COT CAMPBELL were all shifted across behind runners. When being steadied approaching the winning post on the first occasion, FLYING QUEST got its head up and travelled keenly. Near the 1200 Metres, HAR HAR HEART was left racing wide and without cover. Approaching the 1000 Metres, HAR HAR HEART became unbalanced after laying in towards the heels of FLYING QUEST. Near the 900 Metres, FARSHAD was steadied away from the heels of LIGHT MY DAY whilst JADE FORTUNE was awkwardly placed behind KIRAM. Passing the 500 Metres, FLYING QUEST raced in restricted room between HAR HAR HEART and FARSHAD which improved into tight running between FLYING QUEST and LIGHT MY DAY. Then near the 450 Metres, FLYING QUEST shifted out away from FARSHAD and bumped HAR HAR HEART which became unbalanced. After initially attempting to shift to the outside of COT CAMPBELL near the 450 Metres, RACING LUCK was then directed to the inside of that horse. RACING LUCK then became unbalanced after being checked away from the heels of COT CAMPBELL passing the 400 Metres. A veterinary inspection of COT CAMPBELL immediately following the race found that horse to have sustained a laceration to the right hind leg. Over the concluding stages, JADE FORTUNE raced tight inside FARSHAD which got its head on the side and lay in. A veterinary inspection of ZHAN JIANG ROCKS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. KIRAM and FARSHAD were sent for sampling.

On arrival at the Start, C Y Ho expressed concern regarding the action of THIS IS CLASS. THIS IS CLASS was examined by the Veterinary Officer and found to be suitable to race. SPARKLING DRAGON began awkwardly. PRIVATE ROCKET shifted out at the start and bumped STARLIGHT which was crowded for room. BEAUTY SPARK began only fairly and then despite being ridden along for some distance in the early stages failed to muster speed. BEAUTY SPARK was then awkwardly placed close to the heels of MONKEY JEWELLERY near the 1100 Metres as that horse was steadied to obtain cover behind WINNING FEELING. JADE THEATRE shifted out at the start and bumped heavily with FLYING SWORD, causing both horses to become unbalanced and JADE THEATRE to lose ground. Despite being ridden along for some distance in the early stages, LE TERROIR failed to muster speed and subsequently travelled wide and without cover throughout the race. Near the 1000 Metres, BEAUTY SPARK shifted out towards the heels of PRIVATE ROCKET when reluctant to maintain its position inside that horse. This resulted in BEAUTY SPARK losing ground. STARLIGHT was shifted out away from the heels of BEAUTY SPARK in consequence and inconvenienced JADE THEATRE. MONKEY JEWELLERY shifted in towards the running rail passing the 600 Metres and became unbalanced. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, PRIVATE ROCKET lay out towards the heels of SPARKLING DRAGON. Approaching the 200 Metres, MONKEY JEWELLERY was momentarily awkwardly placed inside the heels of LARSON. MONKEY JEWELLERY then became unbalanced when crowded for room near the 100 Metres between BEAUTY SPARK which improved into tight running inside LARSON and PRIVATE ROCKET which raced tight outside WINNING FEELING. After the race, S de Sousa reported that after enjoying a good run behind the leaders, WINNING FEELING finished off the race satisfactorily until the concluding stages when the horse commenced to give ground. He said, in his opinion, WINNING FEELING lacks maturity at this stage of its career. A veterinary inspection of WINNING FEELING 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, WINNING FEELING will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, Z Purton was not able to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance of BALTIC SUCCESS. He said BALTIC SUCCESS was able to obtain a forward position from the outside barrier in the early stages without having to make too much use of the horse and after crossing into the lead after the 900 Metres then initially travelled well. He said he commenced to ride BALTIC SUCCESS along rounding the Home Turn, however, the horse did not quicken and came under immediate pressure. He said BALTIC SUCCESS commenced to give ground noticeably passing the 200 Metres and then weakened over the concluding stages. He added whilst BALTIC SUCCESS’ action deteriorated over the latter stages of the race, it did not appear to be lame and therefore he was not able to explain the disappointing performance of the horse. A veterinary inspection of BALTIC SUCCESS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of BALTIC SUCCESS, which finished at the rear of the field, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, BALTIC SUCCESS will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of STARLIGHT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of MONKEY JEWELLERY 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, MONKEY JEWELLERY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. WINNING FEELING, SPARKLING DRAGON and THIS IS CLASS were sent for sampling.

FRESH POWER shifted in at the start and bumped GREEN REIGN which became unbalanced. AFRICAN SKY began only fairly. SPECIAL STARS shifted out at the start and bumped RELENTLESS ME. After this, from a wide barrier, SPECIAL STARS was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Despite being hard ridden for some distance in the early stages, POWERMAX was slow to muster speed. After travelling a short distance, HINCHINLOVE shifted out and bumped HERCULES. Approaching the 800 Metres, HINCHINLOVE raced tight between WINNING METHOD and QUADRUPLE DOUBLE which shifted out from behind SPEED VISION when travelling keenly. WINNING METHOD then became unbalanced after being bumped by HINCHINLOVE. HINCHINLOVE subsequently travelled keenly when being steadied to obtain cover behind QUADRUPLE DOUBLE. After this, QUADRUPLE DOUBLE continued to travel keenly. After the 600 Metres, POWERMAX was left racing wide and without cover. Passing the 600 Metres, HINCHINLOVE lay in away from the heels of QUADRUPLE DOUBLE and brushed GREEN REIGN, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. GREEN REIGN then got its head on the side, lay out and bumped HINCHINLOVE. Passing the 100 Metres, HERCULES was shifted in away from the heels of QUADRUPLE DOUBLE. FRESH POWER was held up for clear running over the last 150 Metres and consequently was not able to be properly tested. After the race, Z Purton stated that the circumstances of the race were against WINNING METHOD being able to finish off the race. He said after beginning only fairly and then shortly after the start being bumped by CALIFORNIA TURBO which shifted out, he had to make a lot of use of WINNING METHOD to obtain a forward position and then was required to race in a three wide position until passing the 600 Metres at which stage the horse was able to shift across to race outside SPEED VISION. He said WINNING METHOD came under heavy pressure after the 300 Metres and then gave ground in the Straight which he attributed to the amount of use he had to make of the horse in the early and middle stages. A veterinary inspection of WINNING METHOD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of FRESH POWER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. WINNING METHOD, HINCHINLOVE and GREEN REIGN were sent for sampling.