Recap by phillip woo

Favourite Viva Popcorn dashed nicely after settling closer than usual three deep fourth from the rear to claim victory 80m out. He was trying the Valley mile for the first time but the writing had been on the wall in his opening two Sha Tin runs and should be able to hold his own up in grade now off a light weight. Off The Reel made a nice bid late to grab second in the final few metres after a rails run in midfield. He was fitter for two runs and did have no luck last start. Shanghai Grace held on gamely for a placing after reclaiming the lead from Speed Force 200m out travelling box-seat from the 1,100m. It was an improved run off a career low in the ratings. Go Ballistic ran on three from the right to finish a distant fourth after settling one-off worse than midfield. It was another good effort after opening with a win over the 1,800m. Happy Jai Jai came up one-paced after settling one off in fourth from a tricky gate. It wasn't a bad run after waking up with a pacestalking second last start. Diamond Star made up heaps of ground from the rear after jumping slowly from an outside draw. He's the type that can bob up at any moment. Super Kin found nothing after a wide with cover run in midfield. He's still a maiden.

Racing Incident Report

Race Two: (105) - ALL JOYFUL HANDICAP - Class 5 - 1650Meters

WEALTHY EMPLOYEE shifted in at the start and bumped MANY GAINS.

BOND A STAR shifted out at the start and bumped SPEED FORCE which was hampered and in turn shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of SUN SUN FA FA.

After this, SPEED FORCE took some time to muster speed despite being vigorously ridden along.

SUPER KIN began only fairly and after being ridden along in the early stages in an endeavour to make up lost ground was awkwardly placed close to the heels of OFF THE REEL passing the 1600 Metres.

From the outside barrier, DIAMOND STAR was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

Approaching the 1300 Metres, SUPER KIN and WEALTHY EMPLOYEE raced tight.

Near the 1200 Metres, BOND A STAR was left racing wide and without cover and was then ridden along to obtain a more forward position, however, continued to race wide and without cover and subsequently finished tailed out.

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

The performance of BOND A STAR was considered unacceptable.

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

Making the turn after the 600 Metres, OFF THE REEL and GO BALLISTIC bumped.

Also making the turn after the 600 Metres, MANY GAINS brushed the running rail.

Approaching the 400 Metres, OFF THE REEL and GO BALLISTIC brushed as OFF THE REEL attempted to shift out away from the heels of SHANGHAI GRACE.

When OFF THE REEL was unable to shift to the outside of SHANGHAI GRACE, this resulted in OFF THE REEL racing very close to the heels of that horse passing the 400 Metres.

After the 300 Metres, GO BALLISTIC was bumped by OFF THE REEL (C Y Ho) which improved into very tight running between that horse and HAPPY JAI JAI which shifted out marginally.

Whilst the Stewards accepted that HAPPY JAI JAI had shifted some ground at the relevant time, nonetheless C Y Ho was reprimanded and told to ensure that when improving into tight running he does not make unnecessary contact with other runners.

After the 150 Metres, GO BALLISTIC was momentarily eased away from the heels of VIVA POPCORN (Z Purton) which shifted in under pressure.

Z Purton was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances.

Throughout the race, SUN SUN FA FA travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground and finished tailed out.

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

The performance of SUN SUN FA FA was considered unacceptable.

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

When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SUPER KIN, J Moreira stated that although SUPER KIN had cover throughout the race, his mount was required to travel in a three wide position throughout.

He said when the pace of the race increased after the 600 Metres, SUPER KIN commenced to lay out and immediately came under pressure.

He said SUPER KIN continued to lay out rounding the Home Turn and after the 200 Metres, when already well beaten, shifted out abruptly.

He added he was not able to offer any explanation for the manner in which SUPER KIN lay out as the horse appeared sound in its action.

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

The performance of SUPER KIN, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable.

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

VIVA POPCORN and OFF THE REEL were sent for sampling.