28/03/2021  Shatin  Race 2

LUCKY MISSILE shifted in at the start and bumped EXALTATION. MORE THAN A HORSE began very awkwardly and bumped the outside of its gate and then continued to shift out and was steadied away from the heels of CROWN AVENUE. PERFECT TO PLAY began awkwardly. PLAY WISE shifted out at the start and bumped EZRA. PLAY WISE was then bumped by GOOD DAYS which shifted out. From wide barriers, DONC JE SUIIS, JOYFUL HEART and MCMUNIGAL were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 1800 Metres, KUNGFUMASTER PANDA was steadied away from the heels of MORE THAN A HORSE which, after shifting in away from GOOD DAYS (A Badel), was then taken in by that horse. A Badel was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he exercises more care than he did on this occasion when shifting ground. Passing the 1000 Metres, GOOD DAYS was bumped and taken wider by MORE THAN A HORSE which improved to the outside of EXALTATION. Near the 350 Metres, CROWN AVENUE was checked when disappointed for running inside PERFECT TO PLAY (C Schofield) which, after shifting out marginally, then shifted back in. Although the Stewards were not comfortably satisfied that CROWN AVENUE had established running to the inside of PERFECT TO PLAY, C Schofield was severely reprimanded and told to ensure that after his mounts shift ground, he must exercise due care when resuming his position. Then CROWN AVENUE raced in restricted room inside PERFECT TO PLAY near the 200 Metres before being momentarily crowded for room inside that horse near the 75 Metres which resulted in PERFECT TO PLAY being shifted out to relieve the tightening to CROWN AVENUE. Approaching the 200 Metres, PLAY WISE shifted in under pressure, requiring its rider to stop riding and correct his mount. Approaching the 200 Metres, J Moreira (EZRA) dropped his whip. A veterinary inspection of MORE THAN A HORSE, GOOD DAYS, GOLD 'N’ BOLD and MCMUNIGAL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. EXALTATION, KUNGFUMASTER PANDA and PLAY WISE were sent for sampling.