RACE 5 (538)

Moderately away, raced 3 wide better than midfield, moved closer after passing 1200M, raced in 2nd from 1050M, 2 lengths back turning in, peaked early in straight, weakened final furlong.

Incident Report
Jumped only fairly. Near the 750 Metres lay in and away from EVERYONE’S GALLOP, made contact with the running rail and became unbalanced. When questioned regarding the improved performance of the horse, Trainer A S Cruz stated that at its last start on 2 March 2025 CALIFORNIA STAR jumped only fairly and then was ridden along to hold an on-pace position which resulted in the horse racing too keenly and refusing to settle. He said CALIFORNIA STAR was advantaged tonight by being able to travel comfortably back in the field due to a stronger pace which resulted in it being able to finish the race off strongly in the Home Straight. Sent for sampling post-race.

Jumped only fairly, positioned 4 lengths behind the leader on the inside, 2 wide after passing 450M, not enough room early in straight, made good progress thereafter to take a place.

Incident Report
Shortly after the start was crowded by SOLAR RIVER which shifted in. Near the 400 Metres got its head up when being steadied to avoid SUNNY DARLING. Apprentice E C W Wong pleaded guilty to a careless riding charge for causing interference near the 300 Metres (see EVERSTAR). Over the final 250 Metres lay out under pressure and proved difficult to ride out. Sent for sampling post-race.

Average to begin, sent forward to take the lead, travelled comfortably in the middle stages, led by 2 lengths turning in, kicked clear early in straight, ran on strongly to the line and scored.

Incident Report
Sent for sampling post-race.

Bumped start, raced better than midfield on the inside, saved ground on turn, peaked early in straight, weakened final furlong.

Incident Report
No report.

Taken back from a wide draw, raced at tail, 9 lengths or so back turning in, made very good progress in straight to take 2nd, no threat to the winner.

Incident Report
Raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event.

Jumped awkwardly and lost ground, raced towards rear on the inside, 7 to 8 lengths back turning in, showed limited response early in straight, no clear run 150M, eased thereafter.

Incident Report
Near the 50 Metres was steadied when crowded by CALIFORNIA STAR (Y L Chung) which shifted in to obtain clear running. Y L Chung was reprimanded.

Bumped start, raced behind midfield on the inside, saved ground on turn, peaked early in straight, weakened gradually inside final furlong.

Incident Report
Near the 250 Metres was steadied and shifted to the inside of EVERSTAR to continue into clear running. Lay out over the final 200 Metres.

Bumped start, trapped wide in midfield, peaked on turn, weakened 500M, eased early in straight. (See Racing Incidents.)

Incident Report
A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

Commenced well, raced 2 wide slightly behind midfield, 3 wide after entering the back straight, hard ridden from 500M, very wide turning in, made some progress early in straight, no extra final 150M. (Blood in trachea.)

Incident Report
In the early stages raced keenly and near the 800 Metres was steadied away from PATCH OF TIME. Apprentice E C W Wong (SOLID SHALAA) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 300 Metres he allowed his mount to shift out when not clear of EVERSTAR, resulting in EVERSTAR losing its rightful running when being crowded by SOLID SHALAA. Apprentice Wong was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 2 April 2025 and to expire on Monday, 7 April 2025 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards determined the carelessness grade 2 and the consequences grade 2 and also considered his good race riding record. Approaching the winning post was crowded for room between LOOKS OUTSTANDING which shifted in slightly and REGENCY WIN WIN which lay out. Noted to have lost its right front plate after the race.

Moderately away, raced 2 wide, 6 lengths or so back, 3 wide after entering the back straight, same margin back on turn, taken wide in straight and made good progress to make frame.

Incident Report
Over the concluding stages was bumped on the hindquarters by EVERSTAR and became unbalanced. After the event, L Ferraris reported that his mount, which was only having its third race start, raced greenly and would derive benefit from tonight’s performance. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

Began well from a wide draw, raced 3 wide with cover in midfield, no cover on turn, showed limited response early in straight, one-paced thereafter.

Incident Report
After the event, K C Leung reported that his mount jumped awkwardly and as a result settled further back in the field than what was intended.

Made contact at start, raced 2 wide in midfield, 3 wide turning in, showed limited response early in straight, weakened inside final furlong, eased close home.

Incident Report
No report.