25/04/2021  Shatin  Race 5

SKY FIELD shifted out at the start and brushed BEAUTY APPLAUSE. STRONGER began awkwardly. From wide barriers, WISHFUL THINKER, RATTAN and FAT TURTLE were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages. When being steadied passing the 1100 Metres, AMAZING STAR got its head up on a number of occasions and travelled keenly. Near the 1100 Metres, STRONGER raced tight between DANON SMASH and JOLLY BANNER which was then shifted out and relieved the crowding to STRONGER. STRONGER was then awkwardly placed close to the heels of DANON SMASH passing the 900 Metres when being steadied to obtain cover behind that horse. Approaching the 900 Metres, SKY FIELD got its head up when awkwardly placed behind BEAUTY APPLAUSE which was also awkwardly placed behind COMPUTER PATCH when travelling keenly. Then making the turn after the 900 Metres, BEAUTY APPLAUSE shifted out away from the heels of COMPUTER PATCH and brushed AMAZING STAR. Passing the 250 Metres, JOLLY BANNER raced tight outside BIG PARTY. Throughout the race, VOYAGE WARRIOR travelled wide and without cover. M F Poon (JOLLY BANNER) was fined $5,000 for excessive use of the whip on a horse out of contention. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of DANON SMASH, J Moreira stated that after beginning only fairly, he was able to obtain a good position in the early stages on DANON SMASH in about midfield with cover behind VOYAGE WARRIOR. He said after the 600 Metres DANON SMASH was awkwardly placed behind VOYAGE WARRIOR and when the pace of the race increased after this was left flat-footed. He said he rode DANON SMASH vigorously rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, however, the horse did not respond and then after being placed under pressure for the remainder of the race finished off the race only fairly and, in his opinion, was disappointing. A veterinary inspection of DANON SMASH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of AMAZING STAR and STRONGER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of BEAUTY APPLAUSE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, BEAUTY APPLAUSE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. DANON SMASH, WELLINGTON and COMPUTER PATCH were sent for sampling.