01/01/2022  Shatin  Race 9

LOCKHEED shifted in at the start and bumped READY TO WIN. STAR BRITE began awkwardly and from the outside barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Shortly after the start, CIRCUIT STELLAR and ELIGERE bumped. When being steadied in the early stages to obtain cover, READY TO WIN was crowded for room approaching the 1100 Metres between CIRCUIT STELLAR which was awkwardly placed outside ELIGERE and LOCKHEED which shifted in marginally. After the 900 Metres, THE CROWN got its head up when travelling keenly. After the 800 Metres, ELIGERE travelled keenly and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of EXCELLENT DADDY. STAR BRITE was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight and near the 300 Metres raced in restricted room inside GRACYLOVE which shifted in. Approaching the 200 Metres, READY TO WIN was held up for clear running behind THE CROWN and passing the 200 Metres was shifted to the inside of CIRCUIT STELLAR to obtain clear running. Then passing the 100 Metres, READY TO WIN was shifted to the inside of EXCELLENT DADDY after being awkwardly placed behind that horse. Passing the 200 Metres, THE CROWN got its head on the side and lay out under pressure. Passing the 150 Metres, ELIGERE was momentarily crowded for room between LOCKHEED and THE CROWN, both of which shifted minimal ground. When questioned, A Badel stated that the connections of LOCKHEED were of the opinion that the horse did not finish off the race strongly in its recent start when ridden in the lead. He said for this reason, from a wide barrier, he was asked to steady LOCKHEED in the early stages and ride the horse more conservatively in the hope that it would finish off the race better than it did on that occasion. He said in accordance with his instructions he steadied LOCKHEED in the early stages and was able to obtain a position with cover prior to the 1000 Metres which resulted in the horse racing just worse than midfield. He said due to the moderate tempo of the race, LOCKHEED was then not able to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of LOCKHEED immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned, C L Chau stated that he was asked to obtain a forward position on EXCELLENT DADDY and it was hoped that he may be able to cross runners to his inside and after shifting across to race outside the anticipated leader LUCKY WITH YOU steady his mount to allow another runner to improve around EXCELLENT DADDY and provide his mount with cover. He said after riding his mount along in the early stages to obtain a forward position, it appeared to him that GALLANT EXPRESS was looking to obtain the position behind the leader LUCKY WITH YOU and in front of GRACYLOVE which would have allowed EXCELLENT DADDY the opportunity to race one horse off the rail. He said he gained the impression that the rider of GALLANT EXPRESS was looking to obtain cover as he had a number of looks to his inside after the 1100 Metres. He said however that when the pace of the race slowed, GALLANT EXPRESS remained racing in a position one horse away from the rail outside LUCKY WITH YOU which resulted in EXCELLENT DADDY being left racing in a three wide position and without cover. He added after the 900 Metres although the race was being run at only a fair tempo, he believed he would have had to make some use of his mount to improve forward of GALLANT EXPRESS to cross that runner and as EXCELLENT DADDY was travelling comfortably, he elected to have the horse remain balanced outside GALLANT EXPRESS which resulted in EXCELLENT DADDY continuing to race in a three wide position and without cover throughout. LUCKY WITH YOU and GALLANT EXPRESS were sent for sampling.