Recap by phillip woo

Apolar Warrior responded well to take control passing the 200m after travelling one off better than midfield to ring up a first win at his 17th start. He was knocking on the door late last season on both surfaces. Crown Avenue ran on widest out to grab second 80m out after a wide with cover run travelling midfield from a wide gate. He was fitter for two outings already this term and relished a return to the dirt. Lucky Victor kept on gamely after setting a swift pace leading in front from a wide draw. He proved a last-start win in Class Five was not a fluke. Punted late Turf Brilliant came from near last to fill the frame. It was a good effort first start back after an extended break. Favourite El Valiente came up one-paced over the final 100m travelling fourth last after copping a bad check 1,350m out. He had an excuse and should eventually find his mark in this grade. Old-timer All Best Friends ran on without threatening from towards the rear. He hasn't disgraced in either Class Five start this season but is better suited on the turf. Ruby Stars weakened after finding nothing under the pump chasing the leader on the fence. He needed the run.

Racing Incident Report

Race Three: (39) - LARK HANDICAP - Class 5 - 1650Meters

SINCERE BOY was withdrawn on 18.9.21 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore).

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

CROWN AVENUE shifted out at the start and hampered LUCKY PUZZLE.

From a wide barrier, AMAZING BOY was steadied and shifted across behind runners in the early stages and lost its left front plate.

Despite being vigorously ridden along for some distance in the early stages, CROWN AVENUE failed to muster speed.

Passing the winning post on the first occasion, TURF BRILLIANT momentarily raced in restricted room between MISTER MONTE which shifted out and EL VALIENTE which was racing tight inside APOLAR WARRIOR.

Making the turn after the winning post on the first occasion, APOLAR WARRIOR was bumped by ALL BEST FRIENDS which was racing tight inside ZELUS.

EL VALIENTE, which was racing inside APOLAR WARRIOR, was inconvenienced in consequence.

Near the 1450 Metres, ZELUS was awkwardly placed close to the heels of LUCKY VICTOR (M L Yeung) which shifted in when not properly clear.

M L Yeung was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is properly clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances.

T Piccone (ZELUS) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that after the 1400 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of APOLAR WARRIOR, causing that horse to be taken in across the rightful running of EL VALIENTE which was checked and lost the running to which it was rightfully entitled.

In the circumstances, T Piccone was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 6 October 2021 and to expire on Monday, 11 October 2021 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays).

Approaching and passing the 1200 Metres, RUBY STARS, which was travelling keenly, was awkwardly placed behind LUCKY VICTOR.

Near the 750 Metres, AMAZING BOY raced tight outside TURF BRILLIANT which shifted out marginally.

Throughout the race, LUCKY PUZZLE travelled wide and without cover.

After the race, Z Purton stated that after being checked near the 1400 Metres, EL VALIENTE travelled satisfactorily and after coming under pressure prior to the Home Turn finished off the race only fairly.

He added that he had ridden EL VALIENTE in a barrier trial in the lead up to today's race and that trial was good, however, he felt that the horse may improve on today's race.

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

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

EL VALIENTE, APOLAR WARRIOR and CROWN AVENUE were sent for sampling.