20/06/2021  Shatin  Race 9

SEA OF LIFE was withdrawn on 17.6.21 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (bled after finishing track work) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter SUNNY BOY. On arrival at the Start, it was noted that AMAZING ONE PLUS had blood in the mouth. AMAZING ONE PLUS was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race. LOBO’S LEGEND shifted out at the start and bumped SUNNY BOY. HINCHINLOVE shifted in at the start and inconvenienced MASTER MONTARO. After this, from a wide barrier, MASTER MONTARO was steadied to obtain cover. When being ridden along shortly after the start, LUCKY EXPRESS shifted out towards the heels of SUPER OASIS. From a wide barrier, THE CROWN was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Approaching the 800 Metres, AMAZING ONE PLUS was crowded for room inside SUNNY BOY which was bumped and taken in by BEAUTY SMILE which raced tight inside the heels of WINNING METHOD which shifted in before being directed back out to relieve the tightening to the inside. In the early part of the Straight, BEAUTY SMILE lay out under pressure. Near the 350 Metres, the whip of H Bentley (E STAR) was knocked from his grasp by the whip of K Teetan (SUNNY BOY). Near the 250 Metres, AMAZING ONE PLUS was awkwardly placed outside the heels of BEAUTY SMILE which continued to lay out. SUNNY BOY, which was following AMAZING ONE PLUS, was directed out away from the heels of that horse in consequence. LUCKY EXPRESS had difficulty obtaining clear running from passing the 200 Metres until approaching the 100 Metres. After the race, M F Poon explained that he was asked to obtain a midfield position on WINNING METHOD if possible. He said after shifting WINNING METHOD across with a view to obtaining a position behind the speed, the horse was left racing very wide and without cover after the 1200 Metres and for this reason he allowed his mount to improve after the 1000 Metres to obtain a position closer to the rail and avoid covering unnecessary ground. A veterinary inspection of BEAUTY SMILE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of THE CROWN immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, THE CROWN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. HINCHINLOVE and LUCKY EXPRESS were sent for sampling.