06/09/2020  Shatin  Race 5

SMILING FACE was slow to begin. SUMSTREETSUMWHERE and SHANGHAI LAD bumped at the start. From a wide barrier, CHUNG WAH SPIRIT was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover shortly after the start. When being steadied to obtain cover in the early stages, JOYFUL CHEERS travelled keenly. Approaching the 1100 Metres, VILLA FIONN was steadied away from the heels of TELECOM ROCKET which was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SHANGHAI LAD. After the 1000 Metres, LEAP OF FAITH was left racing wide and without cover. Passing the 900 Metres, SHANGHAI LAD, which was travelling keenly, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of KELMIMI WINS. Near the 650 Metres, DIONYSUS COLLIN raced tight between HANG’S DECISION and TELECOM ROCKET which shifted out from behind SHANGHAI LAD. VILLA FIONN was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight and then raced tight inside SMILING FACE approaching and passing the 350 Metres when improving into restricted room inside that horse. SUMSTREETSUMWHERE was directed to the outside of ANGEL OF MY EYES and LEAP OF FAITH after the 300 Metres to obtain clear running. At the 200 Metres, KELMIMI WINS was steadied away from the heels of TELECOM ROCKET which shifted out away from the heels of ROMAN IMPERO to continue improving. When questioned, C Schofield (TELECOM ROCKET) stated that it was intended for the horse to be ridden in a forward position as it was anticipated that there was not much speed engaged in the race. He said he was asked to ride TELECOM ROCKET behind the speed if possible, however, if there was not sufficient pace in the race, it was acceptable for him to lead. He said in the barriers TELECOM ROCKET was fractious and then began the race fairly, but then did not show as much early speed as anticipated. He said SHANGHAI LAD was able to maintain its position easily to the inside of TELECOM ROCKET despite him urging his mount along and when the pace in the early stages was fair, he elected to obtain a trailing position behind SHANGHAI LAD rather than covering unnecessary ground or having to make too much use of TELECOM ROCKET to obtain a more prominent position. He added these circumstances resulted in TELECOM ROCKET racing further back in the field than had been intended. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of KELMIMI WINS, K Teetan stated that he rode his mount initially to take up a forward position in accordance with his instructions and as he steadied KELMIMI WINS to take up a trailing position behind ROMAN IMPERO which was being ridden to obtain a forward position, KELMIMI WINS proved difficult to settle and would not relax. He said nonetheless KELMIMI WINS travelled well in the early and middle stages, however, after shifting out from behind ROMAN IMPERO to follow LEAP OF FAITH approaching the 500 Metres, KELMIMI WINS immediately came under heavy pressure and was not able to quicken. He said he placed KELMIMI WINS under further pressure after the 400 Metres, however, the horse, which was up in grade today, did not finish off the race and was disappointing. A veterinary inspection of KELMIMI WINS immediately following the race found the horse to be displaying an abnormal respiratory noise. SUMSTREETSUMWHERE, LEAP OF FAITH and ANGEL OF MY EYES were sent for sampling.