08/01/2017  Shatin  Race 7

Just prior to the start being effected, NOBLE DE LOVE became fractious and as the gates opened lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently was slow to begin. Before being allowed to race again, NOBLE DE LOVE will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. THE CHAMP began awkwardly. Shortly after the start, CONTRIBUTION and SPICY KAKA were crowded for room between GENEROUS HEART and BONITO which shifted out. From wide barriers, HASTILY FEET and HAPPY WAY WINNER were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Approaching the 1100 Metres, FIVE UP HIGH was crowded for room inside MONEY BOY (J Moreira) which shifted in before being directed back out to relieve the tightening. J Moreira was reprimanded. Approaching and passing the 1100 Metres, THE CHAMP got its head up on a number of occasions when travelling keenly. Near the 950 Metres, CONTRIBUTION was shifted out away from the heels of WINNING VIBE which lost ground. Approaching the 900 Metres, AMRITSARIA commenced to prove very difficult to settle and was checked away from the heels of THE CHAMP. GENEROUS HEART, which was following, was also checked in consequence and shifted out. Also approaching the 900 Metres, HASTILY FEET was awkwardly placed behind SPICY KAKA. FIVE UP HIGH travelled keenly in the lead in the middle stages. HAPPY WAY WINNER was shifted out in the early part of the Straight to obtain clear running. Passing the 350 Metres, NOBLE DE LOVE got its head on the side and lay in and then approaching the 300 Metres raced tight outside BONITO. Over the final 300 Metres, MONEY BOY lay in under pressure and proved difficult to ride and over the final 200 Metres bumped FIVE UP HIGH on a number of occasions. Because of this, J Moreira was not able to fully ride his mount out. Throughout the race, BOLSHOI BALLET and LUCKY PROFIT travelled wide and without cover. After the race, O Doleuze (WINNING VIBE) stated that, despite being ridden along for a considerable distance in the early and middle stages, the horse was reluctant to stretch out. He added that near the 950 Metres the horse became very unbalanced when reluctant to maintain its position inside THE CHAMP. A veterinary inspection of WINNING VIBE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GENEROUS HEART, FIVE UP HIGH and MONEY BOY were sent for sampling.