09/12/2018  Shatin  Race 10

SMART BOY shifted out at the start and bumped GRADE ONE. Shortly after the start, AMAZING CHOCOLATE, BABA MAMA, TASHIDELEK and GAMEPLAYER EMPEROR were all crowded for room between MR WEALTH which shifted in marginally and INVINCIBLE FRESH which shifted out. This resulted in BABA MAMA and TASHIDELEK losing ground and AMAZING CHOCOLATE and MR WEALTH both becoming badly unbalanced. From the outside barrier, SHAMPORT was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. Also from a wide barrier, GENEROUS HEART was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners, however, was left racing wide and without cover after the 1100 Metres. Approaching the 700 Metres, TASHIDELEK commenced to travel keenly and improved into tight running between SHAMPORT and GAMEPLAYER EMPEROR. This resulted in GAMEPLAYER EMPEROR and SHAMPORT both becoming unbalanced when contacted on the hindquarters by TASHIDELEK. After this, GAMEPLAYER EMPEROR got its head up and commenced to travel keenly. GAMEPLAYER EMPEROR had some difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight and passing the 200 Metres was momentarily awkwardly placed inside the heels of SMART BOY. BABA MAMA was unable to obtain clear running from the 400 Metres until passing the 250 Metres at which time the horse was shifted to the outside of GAMEPLAYER EMPEROR. Close to the finishing line, CIRCUIT HASSLER shifted in and brushed AMAZING CHOCOLATE. The performance of MR WEALTH, a last start winner which gave ground noticeably over the latter stages of the race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MR WEALTH will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of MR WEALTH immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. A veterinary inspection of INVINCIBLE FRESH and TASHIDELEK immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. NICCONI EXPRESS, ENCOURAGING and NOBLE STEED were sent for sampling.