11/12/2022  Shatin  Race 5

STRONGER began awkwardly. From wide barriers, SKY FIELD and DUKE WAI were shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover. Passing the 1000 Metres, COURIER WONDER was awkwardly placed close to the heels of STRONGER when being steadied to obtain cover behind that horse. In the early stages, LUCKY SWEYNESSE got its head on the side and lay in. Making the first turn near the 900 Metres, LUCKY SWEYNESSE raced tight inside STRONGER which, after initially being taken in by SIGHT SUCCESS (C Lemaire), was steadied away from the heels of that horse. C Lemaire was reprimanded and told to ensure that he provides proper clearance when shifting ground in similar circumstances. SUPER WEALTHY, which was following LUCKY SWEYNESSE (Z Purton), was awkwardly placed behind that horse in consequence. COURIER WONDER, which was following STRONGER, became unbalanced when racing close to the heels of that horse also in consequence. Z Purton stated that after this incident he was required to race on the rail behind LIM’S KOSCIUSZKO. He said the pace of the race in the middle stages was only fair and rounding the Home Turn he attempted to obtain a run either inside or outside of LIM’S KOSCIUSZKO. He said LUCKY SWEYNESSE was badly held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight inside STRONGER and as no clear running eventuated in front of LUCKY SWEYNESSE, he had to direct his mount out passing the 300 Metres in an endeavour to find clear running. He added that he was able to commence improving near the 250 Metres, however, was again badly held up for clear running after the 200 Metres behind MEIKEI YELL and inside SUPER WEALTHY. He said he continued to shift out in an endeavour to obtain clear running, however, he was not able to obtain clear room at any stage in the Home Straight and accordingly LUCKY SWEYNESSE was not able to be tested. Passing the 700 Metres, CORDYCEPS SIX was taken wider and without cover by WELLINGTON which shifted out. Close to the finishing line, NARAN HULEG was awkwardly placed between CORDYCEPS SIX and SUPER WEALTHY which was taken out onto LUCKY SWEYNESSE. Throughout the race, MEIKEI YELL travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of RESISTENCIA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LUCKY SWEYNESSE, WELLINGTON and SIGHT SUCCESS were sent for sampling.