Recap by phillip woo

Ambitious Heart poked his head in front at the 100m following a well-executed ride one-off in fourth and just held off Royale Elegance by a whisker for a second career win after knocking on the door in two of four other starts this term. He might find it harder on a win line at the top of the weights next time out. Royale Elegance came with a steady move from behind midfield to just miss. He's managed seconds in three of his past four and should be going one better shortly. Veteran Golden Sleep came on well following a handy run along the fence to fill a placing. He might have what it takes to win a race in this grade. Gainfuljet reclaimed the lead from I'm A Witness at the 180m but found a few too good in deep stretch. He's only borderline Class Four and Five material. Plunged late, I'm A Witness was again weak at the finish after clearing to the lead 1,050m out. He continues to disappoint this term but is well-rated off his current mark.

Racing Incident Report

Race Two: (338) - WAH KWONG MARITIME TRANSPORT HANDICAP - Class 4 - 1400Meters

ROYAL PREROGATIVE was withdrawn on 11.1.18 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (fever) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter GOLDEN SLEEP.

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

GREAT TREASURE began awkwardly and lost ground.

PRESIDENTPARAMOUNT shifted out abruptly on jumping and made heavy contact with the hindquarters of MUTUAL JOY which became badly unbalanced.

A short distance later, PRESIDENTPARAMOUNT blundered after striking the heels of MUTUAL JOY which shifted in when unbalanced.

Shortly after the start, REMARKABLE was checked when crowded for room between ROYALE ELEGANCE which shifted in marginally and MONEY WINNER which shifted out.

From a wide barrier, KIWI SUNRISE was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

Apprentice H T Mo (I'M A WITNESS) was found guilty of a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 1200 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of AMBITIOUS HEART, resulting in that horse being taken in across the rightful running of MUTUAL JOY which was severely checked.

When MUTUAL JOY was checked, that horse shifted in and crowded GOLDEN SLEEP.

Apprentice Mo was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 28 January 2018 and to expire on Thursday, 1 February 2018 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays).

In addition, Apprentice Mo was fined $10,000.

For some distance after this, ROYALE ELEGANCE and EVER LAUGH raced tight as a result of EVER LAUGH being awkwardly placed close to the heels of MUTUAL JOY and ROYALE ELEGANCE also racing close to the heels of GOLDEN SLEEP when proving difficult to settle.

Near the 1000 Metres, EVER LAUGH shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of SONIC FIGHTER.

For some distance after this, EVER LAUGH and SONIC FIGHTER continued to race tight.

For some distance after the 1000 Metres, GOLDEN SLEEP travelled keenly and got its head up on a number of occasions when racing in restricted room between PRIMERO and MUTUAL JOY.

ROYALE ELEGANCE, which was following, got its head up when being checked away from the heels of GOLDEN SLEEP in consequence.

Then for some distance after the 900 Metres, GOLDEN SLEEP again got its head up when continuing to travel keenly.

For some distance approaching and passing the 800 Metres, PRESIDENTPARAMOUNT got its head up when awkwardly placed behind EVER LAUGH.

After passing the 800 Metres, PRESIDENTPARAMOUNT shifted out away from the heels of EVER LAUGH, resulting in KIWI SUNRISE being taken wider and without cover.

After the 800 Metres, MONEY WINNER was awkwardly placed close to the heels of ROYALE ELEGANCE.

PRESIDENTPARAMOUNT had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight.

PRIMERO was held up for clear running near the 350 Metres and was shifted to the inside of I'M A WITNESS passing the 300 Metres after being disappointed for running between that horse and GAINFULJET.

Near the 300 Metres, MUTUAL JOY was momentarily steadied away from the heels of ROYALE ELEGANCE (K Teetan) which shifted out when not properly clear.

K Teetan was severely reprimanded and advised to exercise more care when shifting ground in similar circumstances.

After this, MUTUAL JOY gave ground noticeably and finished a distant last.

After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that MUTUAL JOY had bled from both nostrils.

Near the 250 Metres, GOLDEN SLEEP was shifted to the inside of GAINFULJET to obtain clear running.

Then passing the 200 Metres, GOLDEN SLEEP was briefly crowded for room between I'M A WITNESS and GAINFULJET, both of which shifted ground.

SONIC FIGHTER lay in under pressure in the Straight.

Throughout the race, SONIC FIGHTER travelled wide and without cover.

EVER LAUGH, AMBITIOUS HEART and ROYALE ELEGANCE were sent for sampling.