21/01/2018  Shatin  Race 2

LIGHTNING AND GOLD began awkwardly. When being ridden along in the early stages, SUPERNATURAL was steadied away from the heels of FAIR COMMENT after travelling a short distance when that horse shifted out. After this, from wide barriers, SUPERNATURAL, LOYAL CRAFTSMAN and TELEPHATIA were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 1800 Metres, FAIR COMMENT was momentarily steadied away from the heels of AUDACITY (N Rawiller) which shifted in when not properly clear. N Rawiller was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is properly clear when shifting ground. Also near the 1800 Metres, PEARL FURU was steadied away from the heels of FORTUNE GIGGLES (B Prebble) which shifted in when not properly clear. LIGHTNING AND GOLD, which was following PEARL FURU, was hampered in consequence. B Prebble was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is properly clear when shifting ground. After being crossed by AMRITSARIA near the 1600 Metres, CELESTIAL ARROW commenced to prove very difficult to settle and got its head up when being checked away from the heels of that horse. Then approaching the 1400 Metres, CELESTIAL ARROW shifted out away from the heels of AMRITSARIA, resulting in GENTLEMEN being taken wider. CELESTIAL ARROW was then allowed to improve into the lead. Near the 650 Metres, LOYAL CRAFTSMAN was bumped on the hindquarters by TELEPHATIA which, when travelling keenly, shifted out away from the heels of LIGHTNING AND GOLD after being awkwardly placed behind that horse. SWEET BEAN was held up for clear running from on straightening until near the 300 Metres. Over the final 200 Metres, ROCK THE TREE lay in under pressure. For the major part of the race, FAIR COMMENT travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of FORTUNE GIGGLES immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. AMRITSARIA, AUDACITY and ROCK THE TREE were sent for sampling.