Recap by phillip woo

Raising the bar in his first run at Group level, Bundle Of Joy was up with the leaders in third and three off stands side from an inside gate, advanced to the front 350m out and edged clear under a light weight for back-to-back wins and land a betting plunge. Peniaphobia was niggled along to hold a position in fourth and two off the grandstand side and stayed on nicely to edge out the late-punted Super Jockey for second. Super Jockey finished up well after travelling fore of midfield on his own from a tough inside draw to just miss second by a whisker. He'll come on for the run and will take a tower of beating when next stepping out over 1,200m. Amber Sky was up vying for the lead on the outside fence and gradually gave way over the final 150m off a big weight. Charles The Great ran on without menacing. He's not 1,000m material. Sterling City was travelling ominously well in fifth and one off the stands side but was hampered and held up from the 400m to the 150m by the faltering Rad and never properly tested. He'll come on for this run and can get on track over his preferred 1,200m next time out. Bullish Friend jumped in the air at the start and never a factor. Rad showed superior speed to lead one off the rails before stopping badly 300m out.

Racing Incident Report

Race Seven: (053)-THE NATIONAL DAY CUP (HANDICAP) - Hong Kong Group Three - 1000Metres

Whilst in the saddling stalls, RAD had its left hind plate refitted.

RAD was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race.

As the start was effected, BULLISH FRIEND reared and consequently was slow to begin.

CHARLES THE GREAT began only fairly.

After the 900 Metres, PENIAPHOBIA was awkwardly placed close to the heels of BUNDLE OF JOY.

Passing the 800 Metres, GO BABY GO was awkwardly placed outside the heels of AMBER SKY.

Approaching the 600 Metres, GO BABY GO raced tight outside STERLING CITY which was momentarily taken out by PENIAPHOBIA.

Passing the 300 Metres, GO BABY GO was again crowded for room outside STERLING CITY which improved into tight running outside RAD which, when giving ground abruptly, got its head on the side and shifted out.

Over the concluding stages, AMBER SKY raced tight outside PENIAPHOBIA.

When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of RAD, M L Yeung stated that his mount sweated up quite badly behind the barriers.

He said as he was asked to allow RAD to use its natural speed and if possible assume a position inside AMBER SKY, he rode his mount along in the early stages in order to comply with these instructions.

He said after travelling a short distance RAD was able to obtain a forward position, however, when he attempted to steady the horse after the 900 Metres, it commenced to travel keenly and would not relax.

He added he attempted for some distance after the 800 Metres to have RAD come back and race directly inside AMBER SKY rather than racing in advance of that horse, however, RAD still would not settle.

He said because of this when he placed the horse under pressure prior to the 400 Metres RAD immediately came off the bridle and then was most disappointing in the manner in which it weakened out of the race.

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

The performance of RAD, which finished last, was considered unacceptable.

Before being allowed to race again, RAD will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

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

AMBER SKY, BUNDLE OF JOY and PENIAPHOBIA were sent for sampling.