12/11/2022  Shatin  Race 3

Whilst in the saddling stalls, SOARING TOWER had its left front plate refitted. SOARING TOWER was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. On arrival at the Start, it was noted that VANTASTIC CHOICE had blood at its mouth. VANTASTIC CHOICE was examined by the Veterinary Officer and passed suitable to race. CALIFORNIA FOREST began awkwardly and got its head up on a number of occasions, resulting in the horse losing ground. MIRACLE VICTORY, which was fractious in the barriers, shifted in at the start and bumped VANTASTIC CHOICE. SUNSHINE LEGENDARY lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected, shifted out and brushed SOARING TOWER. PRIME MORTAR got its head up on jumping when being steadied from a wide barrier to obtain cover. Then in the early stages, PRIME MORTAR travelled keenly and near the 1000 Metres got its head up when being shifted in away from the heels of VANTASTIC CHOICE. After travelling a short distance, CHICKEN DANCE shifted out and bumped DRAGON’S LUCK which in turn shifted out and inconvenienced GENERAL ACE and FLAMING EAGLE. After this, from the outside barriers, GENERAL ACE and FLAMING EAGLE were shifted across behind runners. After the 900 Metres, MARVEL DRAGON was left racing wide and without cover. Approaching the first turn after the 900 Metres, GOLDEN BULL got its head up when travelling keenly and awkwardly placed close to the heels of MIRACLE VICTORY. After this, GOLDEN BULL continued to be very awkwardly placed close to the heels of MIRACLE VICTORY. Then passing the 600 Metres, GOLDEN BULL again raced close to the heels of MIRACLE VICTORY which at this time momentarily raced in restricted room inside DRAGON’S LUCK. Approaching the 500 Metres, CALIFORNIA FOREST was very awkwardly placed close to the heels of YOUNG LIFE FOREVER. PRIME MORTAR, which was following CALIFORNIA FOREST, was shifted out away from the heels of that horse in consequence. PRIME MORTAR was then awkwardly placed behind SOARING TOWER rounding the Home Turn. CALIFORNIA FOREST was then held up for clear running rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight. Rounding the Home Turn, VANTASTIC CHOICE was steadied when disappointed for running between CHICKEN DANCE and GENERAL ACE which improved quickly to the outside of VANTASTIC CHOICE. After this, VANTASTIC CHOICE had some difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. In the early part of the Straight, GOLDEN BULL lay in under pressure and was reluctant to shift to the outside of DRAGON’S LUCK into clear running. CHICKEN DANCE lost its left hind plate at the 200 Metres. PRIME MORTAR lost its right front plate close to the finishing line. DRAGON’S LUCK and GOLDEN BULL were sent for sampling.