20/09/2020  Shatin  Race 9

SUNNY LAD was slow to begin. WINNING DREAMER began awkwardly. BABY shifted out at the start and bumped SUPER COMMANDER. Near the 900 Metres, PING HAI BRAVO was momentarily awkwardly placed outside the heels of CHANCHENG PRINCE. Passing the 900 Metres, SUPER COMMANDER shifted in and bumped BABY. TELECOM PUMA travelled keenly in the middle stages. CALIFORNIA GUNGHO lost its left front plate passing the 600 Metres. After the 400 Metres, CHANCHENG PRINCE raced tight outside TELECOM PUMA which shifted out to obtain clear running. SUNSET WATCH was badly held up for clear running from on straightening until passing the 300 Metres. TEMPLE OF HEAVEN had difficulty obtaining clear running until near the 200 Metres. Near the 100 Metres, CHICKEN DANCE shifted out, requiring its rider to stop riding and correct his mount. Then over the concluding stages, CHICKEN DANCE again shifted out, requiring its rider to again stop riding and straighten the horse. When questioned, A Hamelin stated that it was intended for SUPER COMMANDER to be ridden in about a midfield position if possible. He said in the early stages he steadied his mount with a view to obtaining cover, however, SUPER COMMANDER would not relax sufficiently for him to be able to obtain a trailing position behind BABY. He said when left racing wide and without cover near the 1000 Metres, SUPER COMMANDER travelled very keenly and therefore he had no option but to allow his mount to improve its position to race closer to the lead which resulted in SUPER COMMANDER travelling wide and without cover throughout the race. He added that he recommended to connections that they consider removing the blinkers from the horse at its future starts. Mr A T Millard, the trainer of SUPER COMMANDER, confirmed that it is his intention to experiment with the gear carried by SUPER COMMANDER in an attempt to have the horse settle better than it did in today’s race. WINNING DREAMER and SUNSET WATCH were sent for sampling.