01/10/2017  Shatin  Race 6

MORDICUS was withdrawn on 30.9.17 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (left front tendon injury) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter ISTANBUL BEY (Apprentice M F Poon). Before being allowed to race again, MORDICUS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. STARSHIP and ISTANBUL BEY were slow to begin. CALL ME AWESOME began awkwardly. Approaching the 900 Metres, CALL ME AWESOME, which was racing keenly, was steadied away from the heels of ROYAL MOJITO (W M Lai) which shifted in when not properly clear. W M Lai was warned and advised to provide adequate clearance in similar circumstances. Approaching the 700 Metres, THE CREATETH, which was racing wide and without cover, shifted in and became awkwardly placed near the heels of BRAVO WATCHMAN. Near the 650 Metres, AMAZING FEELING was momentarily tightened for room between THE CREATETH and CALL ME AWESOME which, when laying out, was proving difficult to ride. PRIMERO was held up for clear running from the entrance to the Straight until the 300 Metres. Throughout the race, SUPER JUNIOR travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of STARSHIP, K Teetan stated that STARSHIP was expected to perform well after trialing well recently. He said he was advised to let the horse take up a position which would be expected to be at the back half of the field. He said STARSHIP settled near the rear of the field, however, when placed under pressure in the Straight did not respond and failed to close off the race as anticipated. A veterinary inspection of STARSHIP immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. A veterinary inspection of MONEY BOY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. JING JING WIN and BRAVO WATCHMAN were sent for sampling.