Recap by phillip woo

Punted late Reliable Team had enough left in the tank for the win after getting put to sleep in front through slow fractions by Derek Leung Ka-chun. He had run well last start and the slow beginning by Ka Ying Star gave him enough of a breather in front to steal the race. Ka Ying Star kept plugging away to make it close on the wire after circling the small field from the 1,400m to get to second 1,250m out. He's given a good sight following a rise in trip in his past two runs. Favourite Glorious Dragon got going from midfield to just get the head down for third without menacing the quinella pair. The very slow pace worked against him. Columbus County just failed to light the board after biding his time one from the rear. He didn't get the tempo to suit and requires a longer trip. Last season's Derby runner-up over this trip, Russian Emperor had his chance following a box-seat run. He'll need to raise his game going forward. Savvy Nine was never a factor after making his run at the back. Pace did not suit but his class was always going to be an issue. Panfield found nothing when asked for an effort easing back to settling effectively one-out, one-back from the 1,200m mark. It was an out-of-character performance.

Racing Incident Report

Race Eight: (194) - THE BOCHK JOCKEY CLUB CUP - Class G2 - 2000Meters

KA YING STAR was slow to begin which resulted in the horse racing back in the field in the early stages.

KA YING STAR then shifted out passing the 1400 Metres to improve its position to race outside the lead near the 1200 Metres.

GLORIOUS DRAGON shifted in at the start and brushed the hindquarters of RELIABLE TEAM.

Then a short distance after the start, GLORIOUS DRAGON raced tight between PANFIELD and RELIABLE TEAM which shifted out.

COLUMBUS COUNTY and SAVVY NINE were shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

Approaching the 1000 Metres, GLORIOUS DRAGON got its head up when being checked away from the heels of PANFIELD.

Approaching the 200 Metres, RUSSIAN EMPEROR raced in restricted room inside the heels of KA YING STAR which shifted in marginally under pressure.

When KA YING STAR shifted in, it was awkwardly placed outside the heels of RELIABLE TEAM for a short distance.

When questioned regarding the performance of PANFIELD, K Teetan stated that whilst PANFIELD was not suited by the slow tempo and racing without cover until near the 1200 Metres, nonetheless, in his opinion, the horse was disappointing in today's race.

He said when racing without cover in the early stages as a result of KA YING STAR missing the start, PANFIELD travelled somewhat keenly and would not relax as he had hoped.

He said when crossed by KA YING STAR near the 1200 Metres, PANFIELD relaxed better and he was satisfied with the manner in which the horse was travelling prior to the 600 Metres.

He said after the 600 Metres he shifted to the outside of KA YING STAR and PANFIELD improved into the race nicely.

He added he placed PANFIELD under pressure at the entrance to the Straight and the horse initially responded well, however, at the 300 Metres came under heavy pressure and then over the final 200 Metres was disappointing in the manner in which it finished off the race.

He said after the race PANFIELD appeared to be in good order and trotted back to the unsaddling area well.

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

After the race, it was reported that RELIABLE TEAM had sustained a small laceration to the left hind pastern.

GLORIOUS DRAGON, RELIABLE TEAM and KA YING STAR were sent for sampling.