29/03/2020  Shatin  Race 4

YES WE CAN began very awkwardly, lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently missed the start. From the outside barrier, SMART CHARADE was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After the 1100 Metres, after being crossed by CARE FREE PRINCE, SO GLORIOUS shifted out off the heels of that horse. Approaching and passing the 1000 Metres, SO GLORIOUS got its head up and raced ungenerously when being steadied. After the 1000 Metres, IRON KING commenced to prove very difficult to settle and when being restrained away from the heels of INCANTO PREPARED shifted in despite the efforts of its rider, causing SUCCESS ALLSTARS and NATURAL STORM to be crowded for room. SUCCESS ALLSTARS and NATURAL STORM continued to be awkwardly placed inside the heels of IRON KING for some distance and after the 900 Metres SUCCESS ALLSTARS was restrained, shifted out and made contact with SMART CHARADE. BETTER CHOICE, which was following, was hampered in consequence. SO GLORIOUS raced ungenerously and shifted ground under pressure in the Straight. V Borges (WINNING TOGETHER) was spoken to regarding him shifting ground around the heels of SO GLORIOUS on the Home Turn, resulting in REGENCY MASTER and INCANTO PREPARED being hampered and taken wider. When questioned regarding IRON KING being ridden back in the field, G van Niekerk confirmed that his instructions were to attempt to take up a prominent position, however, IRON KING began only fairly and then did not muster speed in the initial stages despite being ridden along. He said therefore after the 1300 Metres, rather than run the risk of being caught wide and without cover, he steadied IRON KING to obtain cover which resulted in the horse racing further back in the field than had been intended. After the race, J Moreira stated that INCANTO PREPARED raced wide and without cover for the majority of the race and came under pressure prior to the Home Turn before being forced wide by runners to its inside. He said he was unable to offer any further explanation for the disappointing performance of INCANTO PREPARED which weakened in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of INCANTO PREPARED immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of INCANTO PREPARED, favourite for this event, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, INCANTO PREPARED 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 SO GLORIOUS and WINNING TOGETHER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of BETTER CHOICE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. INCANTO PREPARED, CARE FREE PRINCE and CITY LEGEND were sent for sampling. <30/3/2020 Additional Veterinary Report>WINNING TOGETHER, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time there were no significant findings. WINNING TOGETHER was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer C W Chang this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in both front legs. Before being allowed to race again, WINNING TOGETHER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.