10/02/2019  Shatin  Race 2

Whilst in the saddling stalls, E STAR had its right front plate refitted. E STAR was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. After being loaded into the barriers, CRAIG’S STAR became fractious and reared and in doing so hit its head on the barrier structure before sitting down. CRAIG’S STAR was removed from the barriers and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, CRAIG’S STAR was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, CRAIG’S STAR will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. CIRCUIT THREE was slow to begin. MR CROISSANT began only fairly. KING MORTAR began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped FRIENDS OF NANJING. From wide barriers, SOCCER MASTER and MARQULA were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the 1100 Metres, THE CREATETH shifted in and bumped E STAR. Approaching the 1000 Metres, LETSGOFREE shifted in away from KING MORTAR and was awkwardly placed outside the heels of CIRCUIT THREE. Throughout the race, THE CREATETH travelled wide and without cover and passing the 700 Metres was taken wider still by E STAR which shifted out around the heels of MR CROISSANT. Passing the 600 Metres, KING MORTAR momentarily raced tight between MARQULA and CIRCUIT THREE which improved into tight running outside YEE CHEONG PEGASUS. LORIZ lost its right hind plate after the 600 Metres. Near the 550 Metres, E STAR raced tight outside MR CROISSANT which shifted out from behind PRINCE OF GEMS. Approaching the 300 Metres, E STAR and THE CREATETH raced tight. Passing the 200 Metres, YEE CHEONG PEGASUS was momentarily crowded for room between LORIZ and CIRCUIT THREE, both of which shifted ground. Both CIRCUIT THREE and LORIZ were promptly corrected by their respective riders with CIRCUIT THREE then having some difficulty obtaining clear running for a short distance after this. PRINCE OF GEMS and MR CROISSANT were sent for sampling.