25/09/2022  Shatin  Race 4

LUCKY ARCHANGEL and SCIENCE PATCH bumped on jumping. SHENZHOU TWELVE began only fairly and then from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. Also from a wide barrier, MIGHTY STAR was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. After the 900 Metres, TURBO POWER was left racing wide and without cover. After being crossed by REGENT GLORY, FUN N GLORY was awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse approaching and passing the 800 Metres. EASY SNIP was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight. After the 100 Metres, REGENT GLORY was steadied after racing in restricted room between LUCKY ARCHANGEL which initially shifted out and FUN N GLORY which shifted in marginally. When questioned, K C Leung stated that in pre-race discussions with connections it was felt that as SWEET DIAMOND had trialed only fairly in the lead up to today’s race, if SWEET DIAMOND were to be ridden along in the early stages to obtain a forward position, the horse may not show sufficient speed to clear runners and therefore may be left racing wide and without cover. He said therefore from barrier 9 he was asked to shift the horse across behind runners and obtain cover to prevent it from having to cover unnecessary ground. He said after shifting across to race behind EASY SNIP in the early stages, SWEET DIAMOND was awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse passing the 1000 Metres. He said SWEET DIAMOND commenced to travel keenly and near the 750 Metres was steadied away from the heels of EASY SNIP. He said when he took hold of SWEET DIAMOND, the horse made an abnormal breathing noise, however, did not do so again for the remainder of the race. He added that he was able to shift SWEET DIAMOND out to obtain clear running in the early part of the Straight after which the horse finished off the race only fairly. A veterinary inspection of SWEET DIAMOND immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, L Hewitson stated that with the blinkers being removed from DOUBLE SHOW today, he was instructed to ride the horse from off the speed in the hope that it would be able to finish the race off strongly. He said after obtaining a position in about midfield, DOUBLE SHOW then closed the race off only one-paced in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of DOUBLE SHOW immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SWEET ENCOUNTER and SCIENCE PATCH were sent for sampling.