RACE 1 (176)

Shifted in at start and made contact, sent forward to take the lead, went clear halfway, led by 1-1/4L turning in, kept on well to hold off the challengers.

Incident Report
Bumped at the start. Sent for sampling post-race.

Taken back from gate 9, raced at rear, 11 lengths back in the middle stages, commenced move 650M, 3 to 4 lengths back turning in, finished off strongly to take 2nd, just beaten by a head. (See Racing Incidents.)

Incident Report
Jumped only fairly and from the outside barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. In the middle stages raced keenly and near the 1500 Metres was steadied away from TIGER AND GOLD. When questioned, A Atzeni stated that his instructions were to hold a position behind midfield and to allow his mount to commence to improve into the event from the 600 Metres. He added that he was not privy to the instructions that were issued to Jockey Y L Chung and making the Home Turn he was able to improve to the inside of TIGER AND GOLD to obtain clear running. Trainer C H Yip confirmed the instructions issued to Jockey Atzeni. Sent for sampling post-race.

Moderately away, raced 2 wide slightly behind midfield, 2 to 3 lengths back turning in, kept on well in straight to take a place, always held.

Incident Report
Over the concluding stages raced tight between KINGLY DEMEANOR and GOLDEN FAIRY.

Fast into stride, raced in 2nd, 4 lengths back in the middle stages, closer on turn, 1-1/4L back at 400M, kept on well in straight, inconvenienced near 50M, ran on evenly thereafter.

Incident Report
Near the 50 Metres, when giving ground, was steadied when crowded between PALACE PAL which was taken out slightly by KINGLY DEMEANOR (M L Yeung) and FURY AND GOLD (A Atzeni) which shifted in. M L Yeung was advised to exercise more care and A Atzeni was reprimanded.

Began fairly, raced in 4th, 2 wide, 7 lengths back in the middle stages, closer on turn, kept on same pace in straight.

Incident Report
No report.

Slightly slow out and crowded, raced slightly behind midfield on the inside, saved ground on turn, made some progress early in straight, peaked 150M, weakened final 100M. (See Racing Incidents.)

Incident Report
Jumped only fairly and then was crowded by NICE BIRDIE which shifted in after making contact with KINGLY DEMEANOR. After the event, H Bowman reported that he was unable to improve on the Home Turn when he was positioned behind NICE BIRDIE. He added however that after shifting to that runner’s inside on straightening SUPER HONG KONG did not respond to his riding and was somewhat disappointing. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

Made contact at start, raced in 3rd, saved ground throughout, showed limited response early in straight, weakened final furlong. (See Racing Incidents.)

Incident Report
Bumped at the start. After the event, C L Chau reported that his mount was disadvantaged by the pace of the race being run inside of standard time throughout the early stages. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

Stood flat-footed as the start was effected and lost ground, raced at rear, 5 lengths back turning in, failed to make any progress in straight.

Incident Report
Stood flat-footed as the start was effected and lost ground. The barrier manners of SPLENDID STAR was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SPLENDID STAR will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial.

Began fairly, raced 2 wide towards rear, moved a bit closer after passing 800M, 3 lengths back on turn but 4 wide, weakened early in straight, eased final furlong. (See Racing Incidents.)

Incident Report
Raced wide and without cover from the 800 Metres. When questioned regarding the tactics adopted, Y L Chung stated that his instructions were to attempt to hold a forward position with his mount stepping up in distance. He said he was also given the option to make a mid-race move if circumstances permitted as TIGER AND GOLD is one-paced. He said due to the early stages of the event being run inside of standard time, TIGER AND GOLD settled further back than instructed. He said although he was aware the early stages of the event were run inside of standard time, he was of the opinion that near the 800 Metres the pace had reduced and as a consequence he elected to make a forward move in accordance with the instructions issued. He said from the 600 Metres TIGER AND GOLD lay out and as a consequence made the Home Turn wider which allowed FURY AND GOLD to obtain clear running to his inside. Trainer C H Yip confirmed the instructions issued and expressed satisfaction with the manner in which TIGER AND GOLD was ridden.