17/06/2012  Shatin  Race 3

NOSTALGIA was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, SMART GUY was bumped by COFFEE FEVER which got its head on the side and shifted out abruptly after beginning awkwardly. After this, SMART GUY was taken across behind runners. Also shortly after the start, GREEN EAGLE shifted in and bumped HOLYANGELHOLY. After the 900 Metres, SMART GUY was awkwardly placed close to the heels of LUCKY TYCOON. After being steadied for some distance to allow WONDERLAND to cross, GREEN EAGLE became unbalanced when being checked away from the heels of that horse near the 850 Metres. Approaching the 600 Metres, LUCKY TYCOON got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of HAPPY KAISER. At the 400 Metres, JOYFUL WINNER II was momentarily crowded for room when obtaining running between WONDERLAND and GREEN EAGLE which shifted in. Near the 350 Metres, LUCKY TYCOON, which was endeavouring to improve between HAPPY KAISER and SMART GUY (T H So), lost ground when struck across the nose by the whip of T H So. Near the 150 Metres, BESPOKE MASTER was struck over the nose by the whip of T H So (SMART GUY) which shifted in under pressure. T H So was spoken to regarding the incidents of his whip making contact with other runners in this race. HOLYANGELHOLY was unable to obtain clear running until passing the 150 Metres at which time HOLYANGELHOLY and WONDERLAND bumped on a number of occasions as HOLYANGELHOLY secured tight running between WONDERLAND which became unbalanced and MAELSTROM. Throughout the race, BEAR EXPRESS travelled wide and without cover. The performance of COFFEE FEVER, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, COFFEE FEVER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. JOYFUL WINNER II and HOLYANGELHOLY were sent for sampling.