07/02/2019  Shatin  Race 3

As the start was effected, SINCERE HORSE lifted its front feet off the ground and then momentarily got its right front leg up onto the running board which resulted in the horse losing ground. Before being allowed to race again, SINCERE HORSE will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. NATURAL FLARE began awkwardly and then was bumped by OTOUTO which shifted out. SMART ROCKET was crowded for room at the start between TRIUMPHANT LIGHT and MASSIVE POWER, both of which shifted ground. POWER MAN was slow to begin. SUNNY ORIENT was steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. When being steadied after the 1200 Metres to obtain cover, SCARBOROUGH FAIR travelled keenly and got its head up on a number of occasions. Near the 1150 Metres, NATURAL FLARE momentarily raced tight inside the heels of SCARBOROUGH FAIR which was awkwardly placed inside MASSIVE POWER. Passing the 700 Metres, when awkwardly placed close to the heels of SUNNY ORIENT, BEST GIFT shifted in and bumped POWER MAN. Passing the 600 Metres, POWER MAN raced tight inside BEST GIFT which improved into tight running inside SMART ROCKET. At the entrance to the Straight, OTOUTO and MASSIVE POWER raced tight as OTOUTO shifted to the outside of TRIUMPHANT LIGHT to obtain clear running. At the 400 Metres, FIRE AND GOLD was shifted to the inside of OTOUTO and then after being disappointed for running inside TRIUMPHANT LIGHT near the 350 Metres was steadied and shifted to the outside of that horse. SUNNY ORIENT had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight and passing the 300 Metres shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of NATURAL FLARE. SUNNY ORIENT then continued to be held up for clear running until after the 200 Metres. Passing the 300 Metres, BEST GIFT was shifted out abruptly away from the heels of MASSIVE POWER which was giving ground. Passing the 200 Metres, K Teetan (FIRE AND GOLD) dropped his right rein. After the race, S de Sousa (NEVER BETTER) reported that his mount lay in under pressure in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of FIRE AND GOLD and TRIUMPHANT LIGHT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of BEST GIFT immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea. NATURAL FLARE, SMART ROCKET and NEVER BETTER were sent for sampling.