14/06/2020  Shatin  Race 4

ASSIMILATE lost ground when crowded for room on jumping between RIGHT CHOICE and GOOD STANDING, both of which shifted ground. Approaching the 900 Metres, CORDYCEPS and TIME TO CELEBRATE raced tight. Approaching the 300 Metres, GOOD STANDING was steadied away from the heels of TIME TO CELEBRATE (Apprentice K H Chan) which shifted out under pressure. Apprentice Chan was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground in similar circumstances. In this incident, RIGHT CHOICE was shifted out away from the heels of GOOD STANDING. When questioned, Apprentice C L Chau stated that he was asked to obtain the lead on GOOD STANDING if possible but not to make too much use of the horse to do so. He said after beginning well he allowed his mount to stride forward, however, TIME TO CELEBRATE was being ridden along from an inside barrier, nonetheless he allowed his mount to continue forward to obtain a prominent position. He said after the 1400 Metres he felt that TIME TO CELEBRATE was being steadied in its position outside CORDYCEPS. He said when this occurred he rode his mount along to clear TIME TO CELEBRATE, however, GOOD STANDING did not show as much early speed as he anticipated and TIME TO CELEBRATE was also ridden along to maintain its position inside GOOD STANDING approaching and passing the 1300 Metres. He said he continued to urge his mount forward with a view to crossing TIME TO CELEBRATE, however, GOOD STANDING was unable to show sufficient speed to do so and consequently travelled wide and without cover throughout the race. When questioned, Z Purton stated that he placed RIGHT CHOICE under pressure rounding the Home Turn and the horse responded only fairly. He said approaching the 300 Metres after shifting out away from the heels of GOOD STANDING, RIGHT CHOICE got its head on the side and lay out and as he was aware that MONICA was racing behind RIGHT CHOICE and to its outside, he had to straighten RIGHT CHOICE which prevented him from being able to fully test his mount for a short distance. He said after re-balancing RIGHT CHOICE, he was then able to properly test the horse from the 200 Metres. NICCONI EXPRESS, LAKESHORE EAGLE and ASSIMILATE were sent for sampling.