Recap by phillip woo

Favourite Pick Number One was eye-balled for the lead from the start by Beekely to his outside, drew clear at the 250m and kept finding to produce a winning debut. He can win again in the grade and should handle the turf as well. Endearing came on well near the inside after settling fourth from the rear from a wide gate. He's racing well and should remain competitive off a light weight if gets upgraded. Bond Elegance finished well after travelling behind midfield to finish a distant third. He's on his mark but does act on both surfaces which gives him options. Viva Council ran on steadily after being urged along in midfield. He might need a drop in class top open his win account. Flying Godspell kept grinding away without menacing following a prominent run. He rarely runs a bad race sprinting on this surface but may need to drop further in the handicaps. Diamond Legend made some ground without menacing after jumping sluggishly from a tricky gate.

Racing Incident Report

Race Four: (158) - TIN HA SHAN HANDICAP - Class 4 - 1200Meters

NICE FANDANGO shifted in at the start and bumped MEGA TREASURE, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced.

DIAMOND LEGEND was crowded for room on jumping between BEEKELY and RESPECT, both of which shifted ground.

After this, DIAMOND LEGEND was shifted across behind runners.

From a wide barriers, ENDEARING was shifted across behind the field in the early stages to obtain cover.

Z Purton (PICK NUMBER ONE) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 1000 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of VIVA COUNCIL, causing that horse to be checked and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled.

Z Purton was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 8 November 2017 and to expire on Sunday, 12 November 2017 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays).

In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account Jockey Purton's good race riding record.

Near the 800 Metres, BOND ELEGANCE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of VIVA COUNCIL.

At the entrance to the Straight, BOND ELEGANCE was taken outwards after being bumped by CONFUCIUS SPIRIT (U Rispoli) which shifted out in an attempt to obtain clear running.

U Rispoli was advised to exercise more care when shifting ground in similar circumstances.

Over the final 100 Metres, ENDEARING got its head on the side and lay out under pressure.

In the Straight, VIVA COUNCIL lay out under pressure.

When questioned regarding the performance of BEEKELY, Apprentice M F Poon stated that, in his opinion, the tempo of the race in the early stages was quicker than it was at its last start when the horse was able to travel more comfortably.

He said BEEKELY did not travel as strongly in tonight's race as it did last start and came under pressure prior to the Home Turn.

He said after racing outside the eventual winner PICK NUMBER ONE throughout the race, that horse quickened at the entrance to the Straight whereas BEEKELY came under heavy pressure and then, despite being ridden out, was disappointing in the manner in which it gave ground.

He added at its last start BEEKELY performed well on a track which appeared to be suiting horses which were ridden up on the speed.

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

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

PICK NUMBER ONE and ENDEARING were sent for sampling.