Recap by phillip woo

Raging favourite Lean Perfection let down nicely to win going away 150m out following a one-off run settling behind midfield to remain unbeaten in three starts. He's clearly talented and will head a lot higher. Exceptional Desire added to some solid Happy Valley form by getting the nod down for second following a one-off run in third despite having to steady briefly at the 200m. Longshot Big Fortune stayed on well following a prominent run on the fence to nearly grab the Quinella spot in a pleasing debut. He appeared to need the run but has some natural ability. Gamechangers make it a blanket finish for the minors with a late move one from the right after travelling fifth from the back. Dragon Pioneer strung the field out after going hard in front and was on his tippy toes 100m out. He's naturally coming to hand in his five starts.

Racing Incident Report

Race Five: (451) - CITI ULTIMA CARD HANDICAP - Class 3 - 1200Meters

HAPPY METEOR was withdrawn on 24.2.18 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right hind) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter ORIONIDS.

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

HAPPY COOPERATION began very awkwardly and shortly after the start was crowded for room between I'M THE CONQUIST and GAMECHANGERS which shifted out.

MY CHANCE began only fairly and then was bumped by EXCEPTIONAL DESIRE which shifted out.

After this, MY CHANCE was shifted across behind runners from a wide barrier.

Also from a wide barrier, LAMAROSA was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners.

Passing the 1000 Metres, HAPPY COOPERATION got its head up when awkwardly placed behind LONDON CITY.

Rounding the Home Turn, VOYAGE KING (J Moreira) shifted out and brushed the hindquarters of LEAN PERFECTION which then shifted in marginally, resulting in VOYAGE KING having to be steadied away from the heels of LEAN PERFECTION.

MY CHANCE, which was following, was shifted in away from the heels of VOYAGE KING in consequence.

J Moreira stated that after this incident VOYAGE KING came off the bridle and then, despite being ridden along, gave ground abruptly.

He said due to the abrupt manner in which VOYAGE KING gave ground, he eased it down after the 300 Metres.

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

The performance of VOYAGE KING was considered unacceptable.

Before being allowed to race again, VOYAGE KING will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

Near the 300 Metres, EXCEPTIONAL DESIRE got its head on the side and shifted in away from LEAN PERFECTION.

Then passing the 300 Metres, EXCEPTIONAL DESIRE shifted out and was momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of LEAN PERFECTION.

After the 300 Metres, MY CHANCE got its head on the side and lay out.

Passing the 150 Metres, MY CHANCE was shifted out away from the heels of EXCEPTIONAL DESIRE which was taken out by BIG FORTUNE.

MY CHANCE then shifted out near the 100 Metres and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of GAMECHANGERS.

Also passing the 150 Metres, ORIONIDS shifted out away from behind DRAGON PIONEER to obtain clear running.

O Doleuze, the rider of SKY MELODY, was reminded of his obligation to continue to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels all the way to the end of the race where circumstances permit.

When questioned, N Rawiller stated that he was asked to ride DRAGON PIONEER positively and take up a forward position and if it was possible to lead the race outright rather than having another runner being positioned directly to its outside, this was preferable.

He said in accordance with his instructions he rode his mount along in the early stages and had to ride it longer than he had hoped to cross VOYAGE KING to his inside.

He said after being able to establish the lead after the 1100 Metres, he attempted to steady the tempo on DRAGON PIONEER.

He said when steadying the horse, DRAGON PIONEER got its head on the side and lay out making the turn after the 900 Metres and would not settle as he had hoped.

He added after this he continued to try and settle DRAGON PIONEER as he was aware that the race was being run at a good tempo, however, he was reluctant to fight against the horse given that DRAGON PIONEER was already over-racing.

He said because of the manner in which DRAGON PIONEER refused to settle in the middle stages, the horse was then not able to finish off the race.

Trainer Y S Tsui confirmed that the instructions were to ride DRAGON PIONEER positively and obtain a forward position.

He said at its last start he was disappointed that DRAGON PIONEER, when ridden behind runners, had travelled too keenly and over-raced and as horses up on the speed today did not appear to be disadvantaged, he felt that there was an opportunity for DRAGON PIONEER to race in a forward position to prevent a reoccurrence of the horse over-racing.

He added having regard to the manner in which DRAGON PIONEER over-raced in the middle stages, he would give consideration to varying the horse's gear at its future starts.

He said he would also be inclined to have the horse ridden in about a midfield position with cover in races conducted on the turf if the opportunity presented itself given that DRAGON PIONEER would not settle in the middle stages of today's race.

LEAN PERFECTION and EXCEPTIONAL DESIRE were sent for sampling.