Recap by phillip woo

King Mortar accelerated to the front 200m out following a prominent run along the fence and kept on gamely to win at only his third start following a move to a tongue-tie. He should remain competitive in the middle of the grade following this run. Keen Venture lived up to a pleasing debut performance when closing strongly travelling fourth from the rear carrying top weight to make it close on the wire. He's a winner waiting to happen and is crying out for the 1,400m. Favouritism was collared late for second after quickening well from midfield to challenge for the lead 300m out but was pulled up passing the wire. Racing Mate made a decent bid following a one-off run worse than midfield to finish a distant fourth. He's gone well in both Sha Tin starts but his only win was at the Valley. Fun Machine got going from near the back when the race was all but over in an encouraging debut. Favourite Super Leader gave up 200m out.

Racing Incident Report

Race Six: (302)-LANTAU PEAK HANDICAP - Class 3 - 1200Metres

When proceeding to the barriers, ENDEARING became fractious, resulting in S de Sousa being dislodged without incident.

BLAZE STAMINA shifted out at the start and bumped the hindquarters of KING MORTAR.

From the outside barrier, OUR FOLKS bounded as the start was effected and then was shifted across behind runners.

Also from wide barriers, FUN MACHINE and DIAMOND LEGEND were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

After being crossed by KING MORTAR near the 1100 Metres, BLAZE STAMINA shifted out, resulting in FAVOURITISM being bumped and taken out onto RACING MATE.

When being steadied approaching and passing the 1100 Metres, ENDEARING travelled keenly and got its head up on a number of occasions.

Approaching the 900 Metres, BLAZE STAMINA, which was over-racing, shifted out away from the heels of ENDEARING, resulting in SUPER LEADER being hampered.

ENDEARING got its head on the side and hung out in the middle stages and rounding the Home Turn shifted out, resulting in SUPER LEADER and FOREVER RED being hampered and taken wider.

After this, ENDEARING gave ground abruptly.

A veterinary inspection of ENDEARING immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm.

Before being allowed to race again, ENDEARING will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

BOTH LUCKY had some difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight.

Passing the 350 Metres, RAINBOW FIGHTER, which was commencing to give ground, was steadied when crowded for room between FAVOURITISM and KING MORTAR (S Clipperton) which shifted out.

S Clipperton was severely reprimanded.

FOREVER RED lay in approaching and passing the 200 Metres,.

Over the final 75 Metres, FAVOURITISM shifted out and raced tight inside KEEN VENTURE (B Prebble).

Due to FAVOURITISM shifting out, B Prebble was restricted in the manner in which he could ride his mount out.

Just prior to the winning post, FAVOURITISM faltered.

A veterinary inspection of FAVOURITISM immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its right front leg.

Before being allowed to race again, FAVOURITISM will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Over the concluding stages, KING MORTAR shifted out under pressure.

When questioned, C Y Ho stated that after riding FUN MACHINE along rounding the Home Turn, he directed the horse to the outside of runners in the early part of the Straight.

He said near the 150 Metres FUN MACHINE shifted out when struck with the whip and therefore he put the whip away to gather up the reins to prevent FUN MACHINE from shifting out further.

He said after he straightened FUN MACHINE, he resumed riding the horse along after the 100 Metres including using the whip in the right hind on FUN MACHINE.

C Y Ho was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, he must ensure that he rides his mounts with sufficient vigour so as not to come under notice.

A veterinary inspection of SUPER LEADER immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its right front leg and an endoscopic examination also showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea.

Before being allowed to race again, SUPER LEADER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

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

SUPER LEADER, KING MORTAR and KEEN VENTURE were sent for sampling.