Recap by phillip woo

Odds-on choice Nothingilikemore came on strongly travelling worse than midfield to take control 200m out for a sixth win from seven starts. Singapore Sling stayed on well to grab second 80m out following a prominent run. This stamps him as Group material and he will handle further as well. Morethanlucky kept on reasonably well after surging to the lead 300m out following a pace-stalking run. It was a huge run despite a big ratings disadvantage and he'll remain one to follow against easier opposition in Class Two when the Derby dream settles. Firming late, Exultant was gaining noticeably with every stride after a patient ride third from the rear. The mile's clearly too short. Rivet made some ground without menacing after travelling fourth from the back following a tardy break. Grand Chancellor kept on all right following a midfield run in an improved effort at his third local start despite giving the winner 32 pounds in the handicaps.

Racing Incident Report

Race Nine: (363) - THE HONG KONG CLASSIC MILE - Class 4YO - 1600Meters

GOOD STANDING was withdrawn on 20.1.18 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left hind foot).

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

Whilst in the saddling stalls, RIVET had its right hind plate refitted.

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

LOCKHEED and EXULTANT bumped heavily at the start.

Then a short distance after the start, LOCKHEED was crowded for room between EXULTANT and MORETHANLUCKY (K Teetan).

K Teetan, who was riding his mount along in this incident, was advised to ensure that he makes every effort to keep his mount on a straight course.

In this incident, EXULTANT and DRAGON LIPS, which was racing to the outside of LOCKHEED, were also hampered.

RIVET was slow to begin.

From the outside barrier, PATRIOT HERO was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

C Williams (LOCKHEED) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 950 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of NOTHINGILIKEMORE, resulting in that horse being unnecessarily hampered and having to be steadied away from the heels of LOCKHEED.

EXULTANT, which was following, was also steadied.

C Williams 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).

Approaching the 900 Metres, PATRIOT HERO got its head up when being checked away from the heels of TIME TO CELEBRATE.

For some distance after the 700 Metres, GRAND CHANCELLOR was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SINGAPORE SLING.

GRAND CHANCELLOR then got its head on the side and lay out rounding the Home Turn.

Rounding the Home Turn, LOCKHEED shifted out and bumped EXULTANT.

After this, EXULTANT and LOCKHEED raced tight.

Approaching the 300 Metres, PATRIOT HERO raced tight between LOCKHEED and DRAGON LIPS and then near the 300 Metres PATRIOT HERO was crowded for room between LOCKHEED and DRAGON LIPS which, when giving ground, was momentarily steadied away from the heels of RIVET which shifted out.

After the race, B Prebble was not able to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance of TIME TO CELEBRATE.

A veterinary inspection of TIME TO CELEBRATE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

Before being allowed to race again, TIME TO CELEBRATE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Also after the race, C Williams (LOCKHEED) reported that his mount was worked up prior to the start.

He said LOCKHEED travelled only fairly in the middle stages and then when placed under pressure in the Straight did not respond to his riding.

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

NOTHINGILIKEMORE and SINGAPORE SLING were sent for sampling.