Recap by phillip woo

Firming favourite Shining Gem flashed home to grab victory 50m out after settling nicely one off in midfield. He'll remain in the grade with a live possibility of winning another despite winning two of his past three starts. Long-time leader Baltic Success found one too smart after straightening three lengths in front. He appreciated the extra 200m after stripping fitter for a debut failure earlier this month. Be Ready stayed on well for a placing after chasing the speed on the fence from a wide gate. Diamond Brilliant kept on one-paced over the last 100m after chasing the leader from a wide gate. Harrier Jet hit the line well from behind midfield. He's getting on track and is well rated off his current rating. Kung Fu Fighter just failed to fill the frame after getting held up behind Diamond Brilliant 50m out following a rail run behind midfield. It was an encouraging debut effort. High Rise Soldier got going late down the outside after a patient ride fifth from the back.

Racing Incident Report

Race Five: (288) - LONG KE HANDICAP - Class 3 - 1200Meters

ARDENODE began awkwardly and from the outside barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

Also from a wide barrier, INFINITY ENDEAVOUR was shifted across behind runners to obtain cover.

ELIGERE and CALIFORNIA LEVEE lost ground when crowded for room shortly after the start between HIGH RISE SOLDIER which shifted in marginally and SHINING GEM which shifted out.

Approaching the 600 Metres, SHINING GEM was awkwardly placed inside the heels of FIRST RESPONDER.

Near the 950 Metres, HARRIET JET was crowded for room inside SHINING GEM (S de Sousa) which shifted in.

SHINING GEM was then directed out to relieve the tightening to HARRIET JET.

S de Sousa was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that he leaves comfortable racing room for runners to his inside in similar circumstances.

C Schofield (BE READY) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 900 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of SHINING GEM, resulting in that horse being dictated inwards across the rightful running of HARRIET JET which resulted in that horse being checked.

C Schofield was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 2 February 2020 and to expire on Thursday, 6 February 2020 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays).

In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into consideration that HARRIET JET had been racing in restricted room inside SHINING GEM prior to the 900 Metres.

Approaching the 200 Metres, INFINITY ENDEAVOUR shifted in from behind FIRST RESPONDER to continue improving.

Passing the 200 Metres, ELIGERE was shifted out away from the heels of SUMSTREETSUMWHERE.

ELIGERE was then shifted out away from the heels of KUNG FU FIGHTER approaching the 100 Metres and close to the finishing line was awkwardly placed behind DIAMOND BRILLIANT.

Approaching the 50 Metres, KUNG FU FIGHTER was shifted in away from the heels of DIAMOND BRILLIANT.

A veterinary inspection of FIRST RESPONDER immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse's trachea.

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

A veterinary inspection of SUMSTREETSUMWHERE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious.

SHINING GEM and BALTIC SUCCESS were sent for sampling.