08/11/2020  Happy Valley  Race 10

When parading behind the barriers, SHINING ACE was kicked by a lead pony. SHINING ACE was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said that after the necessary consultations the horse was suitable to race. ALL IN MIND (K Teetan) and TEAM SPIRIT bumped heavily at the start. ALL IN MIND was then crowded for room shortly after the start between TEAM SPIRIT and GOLDEN DASH which was taken out by SHINING ACE. After the race, K Teetan explained that it was intended for ALL IN MIND to be ridden positively and he was asked to endeavour to obtain a position in advance of GOLDEN DASH. He said due to the incident at the start and ALL IN MIND not showing as much early speed as anticipated, the horse was required to race further back in the field than had been intended. He said after getting its head up passing the 1000 Metres when being shifted across behind GOLDEN DASH to obtain cover, ALL IN MIND travelled only fairly and then was disappointing in its failure to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of ALL IN MIND immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. From wide barriers, HIGHLAND FORTUNE and SPARKLING DRAGON were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Approaching and passing the 900 Metres, GUNNISON travelled keenly and got its head up on a number of occasions when awkwardly placed behind TEAM SPIRIT. Approaching the 800 Metres, HIGHLAND FORTUNE, which was wearing blinkers for the first time in Hong Kong, commenced to prove very difficult to settle and shifted in when being checked away from the heels of SHINING ACE and consequently became very awkwardly placed behind SHINING GEM. A veterinary inspection of SHINING GEM immediately following the race found that horse to have been galloped on. SPARKLING DRAGON, which was following HIGHLAND FORTUNE, was hampered and shifted in away from the heels of that horse in consequence. HIGHLAND FORTUNE continued to travel very keenly and making the turn near the 550 Metres again got its head up when being checked away from the heels of SHINING ACE. SHINING ACE had some difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight and passing the 200 Metres was awkwardly placed inside the heels of GOLDEN DASH which shifted in under pressure. Passing the 300 Metres, SPARKLING DRAGON was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SHINING GEM which shifted to the outside of TEAM SPIRIT to obtain clear running. Also passing the 300 Metres, HIGHLAND FORTUNE was shifted to the outside of GOLDEN DASH to obtain clear running. Passing the 200 Metres, SHINING GEM raced tight inside GUNNISON which shifted in under pressure. Throughout the race, BEAUTY AMIGO travelled wide and without cover. After the race, N Callan reported that after steadying GREEN AEON in the early stages to obtain cover, it commenced to hang out making the turn near the 1000 Metres. He said he was able to shift GREEN AEON back in somewhat after the 900 Metres, however, the horse then continued to hang out badly and shifted out abruptly making the turn after the 600 Metres, resulting in GREEN AEON racing very wide and losing ground. A veterinary inspection of GREEN AEON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, GREEN AEON will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial around a bend. HIGHLAND FORTUNE, GOLDEN DASH and SHINING GEM were sent for sampling.