10/02/2019  Shatin  Race 8

DEMONS ROCK began awkwardly and got its head up. CALIFORNIA GUNGHO and MY BEGINNER’S LUCK bumped at the start. I AM POWER shifted out at the start, resulting in TRAVEL EMPEROR, which began awkwardly, being crowded for room. CEREFINO and SEVEN HEAVENS bumped on jumping. CEREFINO was then steadied away from the heels of UTOPIA LIFE a short distance later when that horse shifted out. Passing the 400 Metres, SPECIAL STARS was shifted to the outside of CALIFORNIA GUNGHO after being disappointed for running between that horse and PRINCE HARMONY. Passing the 300 Metres, SEVEN HEAVENS raced tight outside UTOPIA LIFE which shifted out under pressure. When questioned regarding the performance of SPECIAL STARS, J Moreira stated that he was not able to offer any explanation for its poor run. He said SPECIAL STARS was able to take up a forward position as it did at its most recent start when successful. He said although SPECIAL STARS was racing at Sha Tin for the first time today, the horse travelled very well in the early and middle stages and even passing the 300 Metres he felt that it was travelling well enough to finish off the race. He added however that at the 250 Metres SPECIAL STARS came under pressure and then over the concluding stages was disappointing in the manner in which it failed to close off the race. A veterinary inspection of SPECIAL STARS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. A veterinary inspection of PRINCE HARMONY and CALIFORNIA GUNGHO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SPECIAL STARS, I AM POWER and SEVEN HEAVENS were sent for sampling.