11/10/2020  Shatin  Race 10

MR CROISSANT began awkwardly and then lost ground after being bumped by SUPER STAR which was taken out by GOOD LUCK FRIEND. After this, from a wide barrier, MR CROISSANT was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. WINNING METHOD shifted out at the start and bumped ARMANDO. After this, ARMANDO was steadied from a wide barrier to obtain cover. From the outside barrier, TOUCH OF LUCK was also steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. Shortly after the stages, WATER DIVINER shifted in and made contact with LUCKY EXPRESS. Approaching the 1100 Metres, WATER DIVINER was momentarily crowded for room inside SHINING ACE which initially shifted in before being directed back out and LUCKY EXPRESS which shifted out. For some distance in the middle stages, WINNING METHOD proved very difficult to settle and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SHINING ACE. Passing the 700 Metres, WINNING METHOD, which continued to prove difficult to settle, was checked away from the heels of SHINING ACE which was awkwardly placed behind BAND OF BROTHERS. Rounding the Home Turn, SHINING ACE raced tight outside LUCKY EXPRESS which was shifted to the outside of BAND OF BROTHERS to obtain clear running. Passing the 300 Metres, TOUCH OF LUCK momentarily raced in restricted room between MR CROISSANT and ARMANDO, both of which shifted ground. When questioned regarding his riding out of THE CROWN in the Straight, Apprentice C Wong stated that approaching the 300 Metres he shifted out from behind GOOD LUCK FRIEND with a view to improving into a run which was clearly available between that horse and CALIFORNIA RAD. He said as he rode his mount along to obtain that run, CALIFORNIA RAD shifted in marginally which resulted in the run tightening near the 250 Metres. He said as the run did not close completely, he felt that there was still an opportunity to obtain that run and therefore continued to commit THE CROWN to improve between those two horses. He added due to this, he was unaware that a run had developed to the outside of CALIFORNIA LAD and inside BAND OF BROTHERS as BAND OF BROTHERS was racing directly to the outside of THE CROWN. He said after shifting THE CROWN to the inside of CALIFORNIA RAD, GOOD LUCK FRIEND then shifted out, resulting in THE CROWN being held up for clear running after the 75 Metres at which stage he directed his mount to the outside of CALIFORNIA RAD to obtain clear running. Apprentice Wong was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, he was told that after the run between GOOD LUCK FRIEND and CALIFORNIA RAD appeared to be closing after the 300 Metres, clearly the best option was to direct THE CROWN to the outside of CALIFORNIA RAD as sufficient room existed between that horse and BAND OF BROTHERS for THE CROWN to improve into. He was further told to ensure that he positions his mounts to be able to improve into clear running at the earliest opportunity so that they are provided with the best opportunity to finish off the race as best as they are able. A veterinary inspection of WINNING METHOD and ARMANDO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LUCKY EXPRESS, CALIFORNIA RAD and GOOD LUCK FRIEND were sent for sampling.