21/02/2016  Shatin  Race 8

GRACYDAD began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped NOBLE DE BOY. LUCKY EVER began awkwardly and bumped the outside of its gate. HONEST HORSE began only fairly and shortly after the start shifted in and bumped the hindquarters of POWER OF ONE, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. Then despite being ridden along, HONEST HORSE was unable to muster speed and near the 1150 Metres again shifted in and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of POWER OF ONE. This resulted in HONEST HORSE racing back in the field. DIAMOND DRAGON was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. From a wide barrier, GLOBAL DOMINATION was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. Near the 900 Metres, NITRO EXPRESS was awkwardly placed close to the heels of POWER OF ONE which got its head on the side and shifted in away from AMAZING FEELING. Rounding the Home Turn, NITRO EXPRESS and GLOBAL DOMINATION raced tight as NITRO EXPRESS attempted to shift out from behind AMAZING FEELING. At the entrance to the Straight, B Prebble (DIAMOND DRAGON) momentarily lost the use of his whip before regaining it a short distance later. At the 400 Metres, LINE SEEKER was shifted out away from the heels of LUCKY EVER to obtain clear running. Throughout the race, BLAZE STAMINA travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of AMAZING FEELING, C Schofield stated that the horse generally is quite stirred up behind the barriers, however, today was far more settled. He said he was able to obtain a good position on AMAZING FEELING with cover, however, after shifting the horse to the outside of runners at the entrance to the Straight, AMAZING FEELING did not quicken and then, despite being placed under pressure, gave ground in the Straight. He added AMAZING FEELING raced "flat" in today's race. A veterinary inspection of AMAZING FEELING immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Mr R Gibson, the trainer of AMAZING FEELING, informed the Stewards that following today's disappointing run it was his intention to recommend to connections that AMAZING FEELING be given a let-up. When questioned, G Mosse stated that throughout the race he had followed the eventual winner LINE SEEKER on POWER OF ONE which was having its first race start in Hong Kong. He said when LINE SEEKER was shifted to the outside of runners at the entrance to the Straight, he shifted POWER OF ONE out with that horse to obtain clear running rather than attempting to pursue a run between LUCKY EVER and TOP BONUS. He said he felt that it was important for POWER OF ONE's finishing effort not to be halted and he believed that there was more likelihood of POWER OF ONE obtaining clear running to the outside of LUCKY EVER rather than pursuing runs inside that horse. LINE SEEKER and TOP BONUS were sent for sampling.