18/03/2018  Shatin  Race 5

PRIMERO was withdrawn on 15.3.18 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore) and was replaced by first Standby Declared Starter LITTLE BIRD. HARBOUR CENTURY was withdrawn on 17.3.18 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (inappetence) and was replaced by second Standby Declared Starter WINNER ST PAUL’S (K Teetan). Before being allowed to race again, PRIMERO and HARBOUR CENTURY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. FUN TIMES began awkwardly. GOLDEN FOUR began only fairly. From the outside barrier, LITTLE BIRD got its head up when being steadied to obtain cover behind runners. Shortly after the start, KA YING BRILLIANCE was momentarily crowded for room between GLITTERING ARMOUR and BOSSIEE which shifted in. After this, from a wide barrier, KA YING BRILLIANCE was shifted across behind runners. Approaching and passing the 1000 Metres, FUN TIMES travelled keenly and got its head up on a number of occasions. Rounding the turn after the 900 Metres, KA YING BRILLIANCE got its head up when awkwardly placed behind FUN TIMES. Then passing the 700 Metres, KA YING BRILLIANCE commenced to prove very difficult to settle and had to be checked away from the heels of FUN TIMES. Passing the 500 Metres, HORSE BULLET and KA YING BRILLIANCE raced tight as KA YING BRILLIANCE improved into tight running outside FUN TIMES. Passing the 350 Metres, LITTLE BIRD was shifted to the outside of GOLDEN FOUR to continue improving. Passing the 300 Metres, LETSGOFREE hung out under pressure, inconveniencing KA YING BRILLIANCE. Near the 250 Metres, GLITTERING ARMOUR, which lay in, was momentarily awkwardly placed outside the heels of SEVENTY SEVENTY which shifted out under pressure. Passing the 150 Metres, KA YING BRILLIANCE raced tight outside LETSGOFREE which raced tight outside FUN TIMES which lay out under pressure. Throughout the race, GLITTERING ARMOUR travelled wide and without cover. After the race, D Oliver reported that, in his opinion, SEVENTY SEVENTY would be better suited in a race over a distance longer than that of today’s race. A veterinary inspection of SEVENTY SEVENTY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of NICE KICK immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. HANDSOME BO BO and EXHILARATING TIME were sent for sampling.