Recap by phillip woo

Punted late, Circuit Splendor was too smart after hitting the front 150m out following his dream box-seat run under Michael Dee. It was the best performance of his 14-start career, and he may have saved himself from mandatory retirement. Happy Gathering found one too good after peeling into the open mid-straight following his rail run in midfield. Once again, he proved Class Five is his level. Early favourite Theta Hedge grudgingly gave way after working to the front from gate five. It was another honest performance. Jack Win ran on well from towards the rear to fill the frame without threatening the top three. He has found the line well in two races following his win last month. Post-time favourite Fingers Crossed kept on one paced after travelling, effectively, one out and one back. He seems to perform better at Sha Tin. Super Hornet ran on from behind midfield without menacing. It was an OK run following his stable change, but he likely needs a longer trip. Heavenly Thought was doing his best work late from the rear of the field. It was a typical performance.

Racing Incident Report

Race Two: (723) - NG FONG HANDICAP - Class 5 - 1200Meters

THETA HEDGE jumped awkwardly.

On jumping, HAPPY GATHERING was crowded for room between SUPER HORNET and FINGERS CROSSED which shifted out.

A short distance later, HAPPY GATHERING and SUPER HORNET bumped when SUPER HORNET was racing tight to the inside of THETA HEDGE.

DOUBLE SHOW was hampered on jumping when crowded by HEAVENLY THOUGHT which shifted out.

HEAVENLY THOUGHT was then shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

EUROMISSILE jumped only fairly and raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event.

Making the Home Turn, FINGERS CROSSED was shifted to the outside of HAPPILY FRIENDS when that runner was commencing to give ground and as a result FINGERS CROSSED made contact with EUROMISSILE.

Approaching the 200 Metres, SUPER HORNET shifted in and bumped EUROMISSILE, resulting in both runners becoming slightly unbalanced.

Also approaching the 200 Metres, HEAVENLY THOUGHT was shifted to the outside of EUROMISSILE and SUPER HORNET to obtain clear running and then near the 100 Metres had some difficulty obtaining a run between SUPER HORNET and JUST GREAT TWO which was inclined to shift in slightly.

Near the 150 Metres, HAPPILY FRIENDS was steadied when crowded between FINGERS CROSSED and JACK WIN which shifted out and away from HAPPY GATHERING.

After the race, K C Leung (ISLAND SHINE) reported that he had some concern with his mount's action in the Straight and when not in a competitive position desisted from riding it out to the finish.

A veterinary inspection of ISLAND SHINE immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its right front leg and also a "roarer??which had previously been reported.

Before being allowed to race again, ISLAND SHINE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

When questioned regarding the apparent improved performance of CIRCUIT SPLENDOR, Trainer T P Yung stated that at its last start CIRCUIT SPLENDOR was unsuited by racing keenly in the early stages.

He said tonight from an inside barrier CIRCUIT SPLENDOR settled well, enjoyed a good run in the event and as a consequence was able to improve on its last start performance.

A veterinary inspection of HAPPILY FRIENDS immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its right front leg.

Before being allowed to race again, HAPPILY FRIENDS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

FINGERS CROSSED, CIRCUIT SPLENDOR and HAPPY GATHERING were sent for sampling.