06/03/2022  Shatin  Race 7

After being loaded into the barriers, LUCK STAR became fractious and reared on a number of occasions. Before being allowed to race again, LUCK STAR will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. COPARTNER ERA and NEARLY FINE began only fairly. DECISIVE ACTION shifted out at the start and bumped STAR CONTACT. Shortly after the start, CIRCUIT ELITE and PRESIDENT’S CHOICE were crowded for room inside EL JEFE which began awkwardly and shifted in. After this, from a wide barrier, PRESIDENT’S CHOICE was shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. From a wide barrier, RING BELLS was also steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. Passing the 1400 Metres, DECISIVE ACTION was awkwardly placed behind NICHOLSON RETURNS which was being steadied in an attempt to obtain cover. NICHOLSON RETURNS then travelled keenly and passing the 1100 Metres shifted out and bumped TOYCOON. NICHOLSON RETURNS and TOYCOON then travelled wide and without cover for the remainder of the race. Passing the 900 Metres, DECISIVE ACTION was hampered when crowded for room between BLISSFUL LIFE and TOYCOON (C L Chau) which shifted in before being directed back out to relieve the crowding. C L Chau was reprimanded and told to ensure that he leaves sufficient racing room for runners to his inside in similar circumstances. PRESIDENT’S CHOICE had some difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight and after being shifted to the inside of BLISSFUL LIFE passing the 300 Metres was then again held up for clear running between that horse and COPARTNER ERA which shifted out marginally. PRESIDENT’S CHOICE was then shifted in abruptly across the heels of COPARTNER ERA passing the 200 Metres to obtain clear running. NEARLY FINE was unable to obtain clear running at any stage of the Straight and because of this was not tested. When questioned, C L Chau stated that, from the outside barrier, he was asked to attempt to obtain cover on TOYCOON and it was hoped that the horse would be able to obtain a position in about midfield. A veterinary inspection of NEARLY FINE and EL JEFE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FREE FOAL and STAR CONTACT were sent for sampling.