Recap by phillip woo

Smiling Charm out-duelled Good For You after hitting the front 150m out travelling in midfield to live up to a pleasing debut last term. He's got the tools to head higher. Plunged late, Good For You came on nicely after a patient ride fourth from the rear to poke his head in front 200m out but found one too good in the end. He handled the rise in grade without a hitch following a win to open the season and might have a bit more to offer. Triumphant Light produced an improved run from a good gate despite being held up for about 100m from the 300m to 200m following a midfield run to fill a placing. He's always capable of placing at this level but might need a drop in grade to find his way into the winner's circle. King's Man stayed on reasonably well to just miss a placing after a deep run in midfield from a wide gate. Favourite Dragon Warrior was held up for a good part of the straight after settling behind midfield following a sluggish break. He might need a bit more time.

Racing Incident Report

Race Three: (123)-PIAGET EXCELLENT HANDICAP (Sec2) - Class 4 - 1400Metres

Whilst in the saddling stalls, SMILING CHARM had its right front plate refitted.

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

DRAGON WARRIOR began only fairly and then shortly after the start was steadied away from the heels of GOOD FOR YOU which shifted out.

As the start was effected, SUPER TALENT lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently lost ground.

GOLDIE FLANKER shifted out at the start and bumped the hindquarters of SPICY KAKA.

After this, GOLDIE FLANKER was shifted across behind runners.

O Doleuze (SMILING CHARM) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 1100 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of GOLDIE FLANKER, causing that horse to be checked when it lost its rightful running and to blunder after striking the heels of SMILING CHARM.

O Doleuze was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 6 November 2016 and to expire on Thursday, 10 November 2016 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays).

In addition, O Doleuze was fined $10,000.

For some distance after this, GOLDIE FLANKER proved very difficult to settle and had to be checked away from the heels of SMILING CHARM.

GOLDIE FLANKER then shifted out making the turn after the 900 Metres towards the heels of WONDERFUL CHASER, resulting in GOLDIE FLANKER being awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse.

After the 900 Metres, GOOD FOR YOU was steadied away from the heels of SMILING CHARM which was taken in by KING'S MAN.

Rounding the Home Turn, WONDERFUL CHASER was bumped and taken wider by GOOD FOR YOU which shifted out into clear running.

In the early part of the Straight, DRAGON WARRIOR was badly held up for clear running and near the 250 Metres was shifted out away from the heels of HONG KONG CAPTAIN.

Approaching and passing the 300 Metres, SUPER TALENT shifted out to obtain clear running.

TRIUMPHANT LIGHT was held up for clear running until passing the 300 Metres.

When commencing to give ground, MY BLESSING was steadied passing the 300 Metres when momentarily crowded for room between KING'S MAN and SMILING CHARM which shifted out.

Passing the 250 Metres, KING'S MAN was shifted in away from the heels of GOOD FOR YOU which shifted in under pressure.

Passing the 100 Metres, KING'S MAN was eased away from the heels of GOOD FOR YOU (B Prebble) which shifted in when not properly clear.

B Prebble was advised to exercise more care.

For the majority of the race, MY BLESSING travelled wide and without cover.

When questioned, S Clipperton stated that in pre-race discussions, it was felt that today's race lacked a genuine leader and that there was an opportunity for SPICY KAKA to overcome its wide barrier by being ridden in a forward position.

He said SPICY KAKA had only had the one race start and whilst the horse made ground from the rear of the field on that occasion, SPICY KAKA's ability to be ridden in a forward position was unknown at this time and therefore it was felt that SPICY KAKA would be able to obtain a prominent position without having to have too much use made of it in the early stages.

He said after initially having to ride the horse along, he was able to cross the field comfortably and SPICY KAKA then travelled nicely in the middle stages.

He said however that the horse immediately came under pressure rounding the Home Turn and then did not respond to his riding and weakened out of the race.

Mr J Moore, the trainer of SPICY KAKA, confirmed that it had been intended for the horse to be ridden in a forward position because of the lack of anticipated speed in the race.

He said following SPICY KAKA's disappointing performance, he would give consideration to altering the horse's gear, primarily with a view to removing the blinkers, and would also have the horse ridden in a more conservative manner in its future starts.

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

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

DRAGON WARRIOR, SMILING CHARM and GOOD FOR YOU were sent for sampling.