Recap by phillip woo

Sonic Fighter accelerated nicely after a patient ride fifth from the rear to overhaul favourite Noble Steed in the last few strides for a maiden win at his third start. He's got more improvement to come and can win his way into Class Three. Noble Steed found one too good after working to the lead approaching the 200m following a prominent run. The swing in the weights was the difference in the end. Sichuan Boss stayed on well to get the bob down for a placing after landing a nice spot one off in fifth from a wide gate. It was a much-improved effort on his past Sha Tin form but may need to drop further in the handicaps to clear the final hurdle. Royale Elegance had to steady between rivals at the 350m then had to switch off heels for a clear run at the 200m before closing well to just miss third. He was a hard-luck horse and should have gone close to winning. Magic Success had to slam on the brakes when the gap closed 100m out following a midfield run.

Racing Incident Report

Race Six: (396) - THE YAN OI TONG CUP (HANDICAP) - Class 4 - 1400Meters

GAINFULJET was withdrawn on 2.2.18 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right hind) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter AMAZING SATCHMO (A Badel).

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

CLEMENT LEGEND began only fairly and then was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

NAMJONG PLUS lost ground when crowded for room on jumping between SICHUAN BOSS and AWESOME SAUCE which was taken out by INDIGENOUS STAR which got its head on the side and shifted ground despite the efforts of its rider.

After the 700 Metres, AMAZING SATCHMO was left racing wide and without cover.

Passing the 500 Metres, NAMJONG PLUS was awkwardly placed outside the heels of INDIGENOUS STAR.

Then rounding the Home Turn, NAMJONG PLUS was shifted to the inside of INDIGENOUS STAR to obtain clear running.

Near the 450 Metres, ROYALE ELEGANCE raced tight between AMAZING SATCHMO and MAGIC SUCCESS which shifted out.

Then shortly after entering the Straight, ROYALE ELEGANCE was steadied when crowded for room between MAGIC SUCCESS and AMAZING SATCHMO, both of which shifted ground.

MAGIC SUCCESS then had difficulty obtaining clear running until near the 300 Metres.

Passing the 200 Metres, MAGIC SUCCESS got its head on the side and shifted in when racing inside AMAZING SATCHMO.

Then passing the 100 Metres, MAGIC SUCCESS was steadied when awkwardly placed outside the heels of SICHUAN BOSS which shifted out marginally.

J Moreira was not able to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance of RELENTLESS ME.

He said the horse travelled satisfactorily in the lead, however, when placed under pressure in the Straight failed to respond to his riding and gave ground from the 300 Metres.

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

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

SONIC FIGHTER and NOBLE STEED were sent for sampling.