13/01/2018  Shatin  Race 7

ZILONG was slow to begin. FIGHT HERO lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected and began only fairly. Shortly after the start, BEAUTY PRINCE raced tight between CALIFORNIA JOY and CLASSIC EMPEROR. From the outside barriers, FRIENDS OF KA YING and DIVINE BOY were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, PRAWN BABA failed to muster speed. After the 1200 Metres, CALIFORNIA JOY was left racing wide and without cover. At the entrance to the Straight, ZILONG was awkwardly placed outside the heels of FRIENDS OF KA YING which at this time shifted out further after being directed to the outside of CALIFORNIA JOY. FRIENDS OF KA YING and ZILONG then raced tight passing the 200 Metres. Passing the 150 Metres, PRAWN BABA was directed to the outside of PEOPLE’S KNIGHT to obtain clear running. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that DIVINE BOY had bled from both nostrils. When questioned regarding the performance of SUNNY WIN, Apprentice H T Mo state that although he had to make some use of the horse in the early stages to cross runners to his inside to obtain the lead, SUNNY WIN travelled satisfactorily in the middle stages albeit not as strong as it did at its last start when successful. He said when BEAUTY PRINCE improved to the outside of SUNNY WIN passing the 400 Metres, his mount immediately came under pressure and was then disappointing in the manner in which it gave ground in the Straight. He added the only explanation he could offer for the disappointing performance of the horse was that it was up in grade today following its last start success. A veterinary inspection of SUNNY WIN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of CALIFORNIA WHIP and CALIFORNIA JOY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CLASSIC EMPEROR and BEAUTY PRINCE were sent for sampling. <15/1/2018 Additional Veterinary Report>CALIFORNIA JOY, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time there were no significant findings. CALIFORNIA JOY was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer A S Cruz yesterday morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, CALIFORNIA JOY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.