Recap by phillip woo

Gold Chest just prevailed after hitting the front 130m out following a midfield run in the centre of the track. He goes well fresh and does like the straight 1,000m. Team Spirit made it very close on the wire following a handy run on the stands side. He proved a finalstart third at this level last season was not a fluke. Well-backed late Band Of Brothers ran on well to finish a close third after a midfield run on the far side from a low draw. It was a solid effort first-up effort over an unsuitable trip. Magic Legend made headway after switching into the clear 150m out after trying to improve from towards the rear on the stands side. Tornado Twist made ground without menacing on the far side after showing no early speed. He'll be one worth considering over a longer trip shortly in Class Three. Favourite Hong Kong Win had little left in the tank 100m out after surging to a narrow lead 300m out chasing the speed. Fitness was likely an issue for him.

Racing Incident Report

Race Nine: (27) - HO MAN TIN HANDICAP - Class 2 - 1000Meters

EASY GO EASY WIN shifted out at the start and bumped MR LUMIERES.

TORNADO TWIST began only fairly.

GENTLE BREEZE began awkwardly.

Near the 950 Metres, BAND OF BROTHERS and LUCKY MORE were crowded for room between UTOPIA LIFE and GENTLE BREEZE, both of which shifted ground.

Passing the 500 Metres, GENTLE BREEZE was momentarily crowded for room outside LUCKY MORE which shifted out before being directed back in to relieve the tightening to GENTLE BREEZE.

Also passing the 500 Metres, EASY GO EASY WIN lost ground when crowded for room outside MAGIC LEGEND (K C Leung) which shifted out under pressure.

K C Leung was reprimanded and advised that he must show greater care.

Near the 450 Metres, UTOPIA LIFE, which was commencing to give ground, was crowded for room between GOLD CHEST which shifted in marginally and MULTIMILLION which got its head on the side and lay out despite the efforts of its rider.

Approaching the 400 Metres, MULTIMILLION shifted out abruptly.

Near the 150 Metres, MAGIC LEGEND was shifted in a number of horses to obtain clear running.

Passing the 100 Metres, GENTLE BREEZE was awkwardly placed between LUCKY MORE and MULTIMILLION.

Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of J Moreira (HONG KONG WIN), 7th placegetter, over the concluding stages did not affect the horse's finishing position, he was nonetheless reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels to the end of the race where circumstances permit.

After the race, A Badel was not able to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance of LUCKY MORE.

He said whilst the horse felt somewhat short in its action during the race, it had a similar action during track work and therefore he did not offer this as a reason for the horse's failure to finish off the race.

A veterinary inspection of LUCKY MORE immediately following the race found that horse to be a "roarer?? Before being allowed to race again, LUCKY MORE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

After the race, K Teetan stated that he felt that MULTIMILLION performs best when able to find the rail.

He said in today's race, due to a number of horses being positioned to his outside, MULTIMILLION was required to race towards the centre of the track and was inclined to lay out throughout.

He said he placed the horse under heavy pressure passing the 400 Metres, however, it did not finish off the race.

A veterinary inspection of MULTIMILLION immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

A veterinary inspection of HONG KONG WIN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

HONG KONG WIN, GOLD CHEST and TEAM SPIRIT were sent for sampling.