17/11/2019  Shatin  Race 5

Whilst in the saddling stalls, GREEN MOUNTAIN had its left hind plate refitted. GREEN MOUNTAIN was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. From wide barriers, GREEN MOUNTAIN and GRATWICK were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Approaching the 1300 Metres, HOME MADE got its head up when being steadied to obtain cover behind STAR OF YUEN LONG. WORLD FAMOUS travelled keenly for some distance approaching and passing the 1100 Metres and got its head up when awkwardly placed behind PERFECT PAIR. After the 900 Metres, WINNING DELIGHT was left racing wide and without cover. Passing the 400 Metres, WINNING DELIGHT was awkwardly placed outside WORLD FAMOUS which, when improving to the outside of PERFECT PAIR, was taken out marginally by that horse. At the 300 Metres, FOLLOW ME was shifted to the outside of GIFT OF LIFELINE after being disappointed for running to the inside of that horse. GRATWICK was held up for clear running passing the 300 Metres. After the 200 Metres, GIFT OF LIFELINE and CALIFORNIA TURBO bumped. G van Niekerk (WORLD FAMOUS) was fined $5,000 for improper use of the whip in that he raised weal marks over the horse’s right flank. When questioned, M F Poon stated that, from a wide barrier, he was asked to ride CLASSIC POSH quietly to ensure that it raced with cover. He said after being shifted across towards the rear of the field, CLASSIC POSH commenced to become somewhat detached from the main body of the field and he had to start riding his mount along after the 900 Metres to make up ground. He said when CLASSIC POSH would not improve its position, he was required to ride it aggressively for a considerable distance after the 700 Metres and it was not until approaching the Home Turn that the horse commenced to pick up the bridle and improve into the race. He added after shifting CLASSIC POSH to the outside of runners in the early part of the Straight, the horse then finished off the race well. He said, based on the manner in which the horse raced today, he recommended to connections that they consider stepping CLASSIC POSH up in distance in its future starts. A veterinary inspection of CLASSIC POSH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of PERFECT PAIR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GIFT OF LIFELINE and STAR OF YUEN LONG were sent for sampling.