RACE 5 (23)

Incident Report
Raced very wide and without cover for the majority of the event. After the event, Y L Chung reported that his saddle slipped to the right during the event, placing him at some disadvantage. When questioned regarding the improved performance, Trainer P C Ng stated that the intention was to endeavour to follow the leader. He said, in his opinion, the improved performance of TEAM HAPPY was due to the horse being more mature this preparation and had also pleased him in its barrier trials in the lead up to today’s race. Sent for sampling post-race.

Away well, sent forward to take the lead, led by 2 lengths turning in, kept on well early in straight, peaked and headed 200M, weakened thereafter. (See Racing Incidents.) (Blood in trachea.)

Incident Report
Jumped awkwardly and then from a wide barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Sent for sampling post-race.

Began well, raced better than midfield on the outside early, raced in 2nd from 1100M, 2 lengths back turning in, peaked early in straight, weakened inside final furlong.

Incident Report
Shortly after the start was bumped by HANDSOME BOMB which shifted out, resulting in ENJOY GOLF being taken wider.

Taken back to race at rear on the inside, 5 lengths or so back turning in, failed to close off in straight. (See Racing Incidents.)

Incident Report
No report.

Moderately away, raced 2 wide behind midfield, commenced move 500M, showed very good response in straight, hit the front 200M, kept on well but unable to hold off the winner final 50M, finished 2nd.

Incident Report
No report.

Taken back from gate 9, raced at rear throughout, never a factor.

Incident Report
Near the 1200 Metres, when being crossed by MEANINGFUL DRAGON (L Hewitson), was steadied to avoid the heels of that runner. L Hewitson was advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground. When questioned, Z Purton stated that throughout the early and middle stages of the event his mount raced fiercely and refused to settle and as a result was checked away from the heels of MEANINGFUL DRAGON for some distance near the 1000 Metres. He said as a consequence AEROINVINCIBLE failed to respond strongly to his riding in the Home Straight. He further stated that he had recommended to connections that AEROINVINCIBLE may be better suited by being dropped back in distance for its next race start where it will be provided with the opportunity to settle with a more genuine pace. Trainer P C Ng stated that although the hood had been removed from the horse today, he believed its racing manners were due to it racing first up when being fresh. He said having regard to Jockey Purton’s comments, he would now look to drop AEROINVINCIBLE back in distance for its next race start. Sent for sampling post-race.

Jumped awkwardly and lost ground, raced towards rear, 6 lengths or so back, similar position on turn, finished off very strongly to score.

Incident Report
Jumped only fairly. Approaching the 400 Metres was steadied to avoid MEANINGFUL DRAGON when that runner commenced to give ground and shift out slightly.

Incident Report
After the event, K C Leung stated that it was not his intention to lead, but when other runners did not show intent to hold the front, JOLLY COMPANION led without being pressured to do so.

Made contact at start, positioned 2 wide, 3 lengths or so back, same margin back on turn, kept on evenly in straight.

Incident Report
Shifted out at the start and was bumped. After the event, A Atzeni stated that whilst his mount was obliged to race wide and without cover for the majority of the event, it would derive benefit from today’s first up performance. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

Began only fairly from gate 1, positioned 4 lengths behind the leader on rail, saved ground throughout, made some progress early in straight, no extra final 150M.

Incident Report
Making the Home Turn raced tight to the inside of AEROINVINCIBLE.

Incident Report
After the event, M F Poon reported that on pulling up his mount coughed. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race which included an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse’s trachea. Before being allowed to race again, VANTASTIC CHOICE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Made contact at start, raced in 2nd early, positioned 3rd from 1100M, 2 to 3 lengths back in the middle stages, kept on well in straight to take a place, always held.

Incident Report
After the event, L Hewitson reported that making the Home Turn his mount became unbalanced and then gave ground noticeably in the Home Straight. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. As this was the second consecutive occasion that MEANINGFUL DRAGON had finished tailed out, the horse will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in consecutive barrier trials and be subjected to an official veterinary examination which must include additional diagnostic assessments before being allowed to race again.