17/01/2021  Shatin  Race 2

STRONG ALLIANCE was slow to begin. SUN OF MAKFI shifted out at the start and made contact with SAVVY KINGMAN which in turn shifted out and hampered ALL YOU WANT. On jumping, GOLD 'N’ BOLD was crowded for room between CHAMPION PRIDE and SUPER TEN which jumped in. After making contact with GOLD 'N’ BOLD, SUPER TEN then shifted out and inconvenienced LAND POWER which was then steadied and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. From wide barriers, SWEETLY BABY and PACKING MILES were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After leaving the 1200 Metres, SWEETLY BABY shifted out off the heels of KING’S HORN which got its head up when being steadied. On the Home Turn, LAND POWER was awkwardly placed between ALL YOU WANT and SAVVY KINGMAN when attempting to improve between those runners. When endeavouring to improve between SWEETLY BABY and ALL YOU WANT on straightening, PACKING MILES was obliged to shift out away from the heels of ALL YOU WANT which was taken out slightly by LAND POWER. This resulted in PACKING MILES bumping the hindquarters of SWEETLY BABY which, due to contact on its hindquarters, became badly unbalanced and shifted in across the running of PACKING MILES which was severely checked. As the Stewards were satisfied that there was no rider error involved in this incident, no further action was taken. V Borges, the rider of the 3rd placegetter, GOLD 'N’ BOLD, was reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts right out to the end of the race. For the majority of the event, SAVVY KINGMAN and ALL YOU WANT travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the apparent improved performance of GOLDEN LINK, Trainer P F Yiu stated that he considers the horse to be better suited at 1400 Metres, however, at its last start GOLDEN LINK tended to over-race after being crowded for racing room in the early stages. He said in today’s race GOLDEN LINK, which was racing without blinkers, settled better and was consequently able to finish off the race strongly. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that KING’S HORN had bled from both nostrils. A veterinary inspection of LAND POWER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SUPER TEN, GOLDEN LINK and SAM’S LOVE were sent for sampling.