27/09/2020  Shatin  Race 10

As the start was effected, SUPER WEALTHY (A Badel) reared and lost ground and then lost further ground when crowded for room between LUCKY EXPRESS which was racing tight inside WATER DIVINER which shifted in and TORNADO TWIST which was taken out by GREEN AEON. In this incident, LUCKY EXPRESS became badly unbalanced after being bumped on the hindquarters by SUPER WEALTHY. A Badel stated that it was intended for SUPER WEALTHY to be ridden in a forward position with cover, however, the horse was required to race back in the field after jumping awkwardly. From wide barriers, WATER DIVINER and COUNTRY STAR were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Making the first turn after the 900 Metres, SUPER WEALTHY travelled keenly and then was held up for clear running from on straightening until approaching the 200 Metres. Approaching and passing the 700 Metres, WINNING METHOD, which was travelling keenly, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of ARMANDO. Then after the 700 Metres, WINNING METHOD shifted out away from the heels of that horse, resulting in MAGIC LEGEND racing tight outside WINNING METHOD. After this, WINNING METHOD continued to travel keenly and in the early part of the Straight had difficulty obtaining clear running. WINNING METHOD was then shifted to the outside of RACING FIGHTER passing the 250 Metres to obtain clear running. Passing the 300 Metres, GREEN AEON momentarily raced tight inside GOOD LUCK FRIEND. After the 300 Metres, UTOPIA LIFE raced tight inside ARMANDO which shifted in before being corrected. Throughout the race, RACING FIGHTER and TRANSCENDENT travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the performance of MR CROISSANT, C Schofield stated that his mount did not travel as strongly in the middle stages as it had when he had ridden it previously. He said he considered improving into tight running inside WINNING METHOD after the 700 Metres and felt that MR CROISSANT was somewhat reluctant to improve its position at this time. He said after placing the horse under pressure rounding the Home Turn, MR CROISSANT did not quicken for him as it had previously and then was very disappointing in the manner in which it failed to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of MR CROISSANT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that COUNTRY STAR had bled from both nostrils. A veterinary inspection of TRANSCENDENT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LUCKY EXPRESS and WINNING METHOD were sent for sampling.