Recap by phillip woo

Sunny And Gold showed a good turn of foot to get up in the final few strides after his one-off-the-fence trip in midfield. He was the only previous winner in the race, and he is pretty honest at this level. Hearty Wish did everything but get the win after moving to the front 150m out following his pace-pressing role from his wide draw. He ran with merit first up this term. Early favourite Island Surprise stayed on well to finish a close third after finding the box seat from his awkward gate. He is a winner waiting to happen. Shenron gave way grudgingly after finding the front from the widest barrier. It was a much-improved effort. Flying On The Turf stayed on reasonably well after racing wide without cover in midfield. It was a pleasing effort down in grade for his new trainer. Zacian got going late after Vincent Ho Chak-yiu rode him patiently. He is not easy to get right. Ernest Feeling ran on without menacing one after making his run three deep with cover from behind midfield following his tardy start. Diamond Soars was one paced after his handy run along the fence. He could not build on his opening fourth over 1,000m.

Racing Incident Report

Race Two: (66) - ISLAND HANDICAP - Class 5 - 1200Meters

ERNEST FEELING began awkwardly and then was hampered by SURE WINNER which shifted out.

ERNEST FEELING then lost ground when crowded for room between SURE WINNER and SUNNY AND GOLD which was taken in by FLYING ON THE TURF which got its head on the side and lay in when being ridden along.

MOONLUCK was steadied in the early stages to obtain cover and passing the 1150 Metres was awkwardly placed outside the heels of NOBODY KNOWS.

From a wide barrier, ZACIAN was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

FLYING ON THE TURF made the turn approaching and passing the 1000 Metres awkwardly and shifted out towards the heels of ISLAND SURPRISE which at this time was racing tight inside HEARTY WISH which in turn was racing inside SHENRON.

Then near the 950 Metres, FLYING ON THE TURF shifted out and clipped the heels of ISLAND SURPRISE which bumped HEARTY WISH which in turn got its head up when being steadied as a result of racing tight inside SHENRON (R Maia).

R Maia was advised that whilst there were some circumstances to this incident, principally the manner in which FLYING ON THE TURF made the turn, nonetheless he was told to ensure that he leaves comfortable racing room for his fellow riders in similar circumstances.

After this incident, HEARTY WISH continued to travel keenly and got its head up when being steadied as SHENRON shifted in when not properly clear.

R Maia was reprimanded and told to ensure that he provides sufficient clearance when shifting ground in similar circumstances.

After this, FLYING ON THE TURF was left racing wide and without cover near the 800 Metres.

Passing the 250 Metres, SUNNY AND GOLD was awkwardly placed close to the heels of FLYING ON THE TURF when being shifted to the outside of that horse to obtain clear running.

Passing the 100 Metres, FLYING ON THE TURF was shifted out away from the heels of HEARTY WISH.

After the race, A Hamelin stated that it was intended for the winner SUNNY AND GOLD to be ridden in a more forward position tonight, however, due to the manner in which the horse began and the circumstances of the race in the early stages, SUNNY AND GOLD raced further back in the field than had been intended.

Also after the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on MOONLUCK at the request of Trainer T P Yung.

The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse's trachea.

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

DIAMOND SOARS, SUNNY AND GOLD and HEARTY WISH were sent for sampling.