07/10/2018  Shatin  Race 8

WINNING CIRCLE began only fairly. ALCAZAR and SUPER STAR bumped on jumping. HONG KONG FOLKS shifted out abruptly on jumping and lost ground. Then from wide barriers, HONG KONG FOLKS and ALPHA HEDGE were shifted across behind runners to obtain cover in the early stages. BORNTOACHIEVE shifted in soon after the start, resulting in BLACK TECH, which was a little slow to begin, being inconvenienced. Despite being hard ridden in the early stages, INTREPIC failed to muster speed. GOUTEN OF GARO was unable to obtain clear running from on straightening until after passing the 300 Metres. INTREPIC also had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Passing the 200 Metres, WINNING CIRCLE shifted out away from INTREPIC. Throughout the race, FLYING NOBLE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, A Sanna stated that he had flexible instructions and was asked to endeavour to take up a forward position if LOOKING GOOD began particularly well or alternatively to find a position with cover if that was not the case. He said after beginning fairly he rode LOOKING GOOD hard in the early stages, however, the horse did not show any early pace, therefore he steadied LOOKING GOOD to obtain cover. He said in order to find cover, LOOKING GOOD was required to settle at the rear of the field. He further stated that LOOKING GOOD did not travel comfortably at any stage of the race and, despite being fully tested in the Straight, did not respond and was most disappointing. A veterinary inspection of LOOKING GOOD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, U Rispoli was unable to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance of FLYING LOVER. He said after racing behind the leaders, FLYING LOVER was brought to the outside upon straightening and after responding for a short distance did not close off the race. A veterinary inspection of FLYING LOVER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. INTREPIC, SUPER STAR and GOUTEN OF GARO were sent for sampling.