19/11/2017  Shatin  Race 2

AMBITIOUS PINS was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, QUICK RETURN was crowded for room between SEMPITERNAL and AMBITIOUS PINS which shifted in. From wide barriers, AEROLUMINANCE and TELECOM SUN were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. In the early stages, AMBITIOUS PINS raced with its head on the side and lay in when being ridden along to improve its position. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, AMBITIOUS PINS was bumped by CROWN AVENUE which got its head on the side and shifted in away from PO CHING TREASURE. Approaching the 1200 Metres, AEROLUMINANCE was awkwardly placed inside the heels of AMBITIOUS PINS. Near the 550 Metres, QUICK RETURN was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SEMPITERNAL. In the early part of the Straight, GREAT JOY and GOOD FIT raced tight. GREAT JOY was then held up for clear running for some distance after the 250 Metres and was checked away from the heels of SPICY KAKA when attempting to improve between that horse and GOOD FIT where there was insufficient room. Due to these incidents, GREAT JOY was not able to be properly tested. Close to the finishing line, AEROLUMINANCE was awkwardly placed inside the heels of AMBITIOUS PINS. Throughout the race, PO CHING TREASURE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, J Moreira stated that it had been intended for CROWN AVENUE to be ridden in a forward position. He said it was anticipated that CURLING LUXURY and FIVE STARS AGENT would lead the race and it was hoped that CROWN AVENUE would be able to follow those horses across and obtain cover behind the leading pair. He said, despite being ridden along in the early stages, CROWN AVENUE did not show any early speed and approaching the winning post on the first occasion was left racing very wide. He said rather than continue to try and obtain a forward position, which he believed was not reasonable at this time, he elected to obtain cover with CROWN AVENUE in about a midfield position. He said however that he was not able to find cover and consequently raced wide and without cover throughout the race and in a position much further back in the field than had been anticipated. A veterinary inspection of CROWN AVENUE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CROWN AVENUE, GOOD FIT and SPICY KAKA were sent for sampling.