Recap by phillip woo

Debutant Namjong Plus came with a ducking-and-weaving run near the inside from the tail of the field to get up 30m out for the win with money coming for him late. It was a rare first-up winner from the Almond Lee Yee-tat yard so do believe this one's got more upside to come. Hinyuen Swiftness finished willingly to make it close on the wire after settling three deep third from the rear. The return to Sha Tin was the key to his improved run. Favourite Better Choice found a couple better on this occasion after surging to the lead 150m out following a rail's run worse than midfield. He's still lightly raced and carrying a bit weight so there was no disgrace in defeat. Beauty Day kept on all right following a prominent run on the fence. It was a better second-up performance but he's still a work in progress. Fancied late, Brilliant Dream cost himself when missing the kick but wasn't far off the finish in the end. He's well rated and can pop up at any time.

Racing Incident Report

Race Five: (294) - TAI TAN HANDICAP - Class 4 - 1400Meters

On arrival at the Start, it was noted that MARQULA had lost its right front plate.

After this plate was replaced, MARQULA was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race.

Just prior to the start being effected, BRILLIANT DREAM lunged at the front gates, resulting in the gates opening marginally just prior to the remaining gates opening.

This resulted in BRILLIANT DREAM beginning awkwardly and losing ground.

On jumping, NAMJONG PLUS lost ground when crowded for room between REMARKABLE and GREAT SON.

BEAUTY DAY began awkwardly after making contact with the outside gate on jumping.

WINNING SUPREME and SPICY KAKA made contact at the start.

From a wide barrier, MARQULA was steadied and shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

Approaching the 1200 Metres, SPORTS MASTER commenced to prove difficult to settle and shifted out away from the heels of SPICY KAKA.

SPORTS MASTER continued to race very keenly and at the 1100 Metres got its head up and shifted in, making contact with BETTER CHOICE which was hampered.

A short distance later, as SPICY KAKA, which when racing keenly, was steadied away from the heels of CARE FREE PRINCE (Apprentice M F Poon), that horse shifted out, resulting in SPORTS MASTER, which continued to prove very difficult to manage, being checked when taken out towards the heels of REMARKABLE.

As CARE FREE PRINCE and WINNING SUPREME (Apprentice H T Mo) steadied the pace in the lead, SPICY KAKA, BEAUTY DAY and BETTER CHOICE had to be steadied and were hampered.

Apprentices Poon and Mo were warned against the practice of slackening the tempo to any marked degree which makes it difficult for the riders of horses in a trailing position adjusting to the change in pace.

For some distance approaching the 900 Metres, BRILLIANT DREAM got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of BETTER CHOICE.

Passing the 300 Metres, NAMJONG PLUS shifted in, causing some inconvenience to EASTERN PROWESS.

After passing the 150 Metres, NAMJONG PLUS shifted out abruptly around the heels of SPICY KAKA.

For the majority of the event, REMARKABLE and GREAT SON travelled wide and without cover.

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

BETTER CHOICE, NAMJONG PLUS and HINYUEN SWIFTNESS were sent for sampling.