Recap by phillip woo

Post-time favourite Audacity went to challenge for the lead at the 750m following a boxseat run, established a near two-length advantage at the 300m and held off the late surge of the unlucky Je Pense for a second win from his past three starts. Je Pense had to check at the 300m when trying to rallying following a midfield run on the fence which likely cost him the race. He had been showing signs of getting on track in two prior runs. Ever Laugh had his chance following a prominent run. He's better at 1,800m. Garlic Yeah stayed on all right travelling one off the fence worse than midfield. He needs a stronger rider. Gorgeous Again came on all right travelling behind midfield on the fence following a slow break. He has been disappointing this term but this was a better effort and a bottom may be near. You Have My Word finished reasonably well down the far outside after travelling three deep fourth from the rear from a wide gate.

Racing Incident Report

Race Four: (523) - EMERALD HANDICAP - Class 4 - 2000Meters

GORGEOUS AGAIN was slow to begin.

GOOD FIT, BO DUKE and REMARKABLE were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners.

Also from the outside barrier, YOU HAVE MY WORD was steadied shortly after the start and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover.

PROUD SKY lost its left front plate approaching the winning post on the first occasion and its right hind plate near the 1000 Metres.

Making the turn after the 600 Metres, YOU HAVE MY WORD got its head on the side and lay out and then rounding the Home Turn was taken wider by REMARKABLE which, when shifting to the outside of PROUD SKY, was taken out by that horse which improved to the outside of PREMIUM CHAMPION.

Passing the 400 Metres, JE PENSE was crowded for room when improving into tight running between AUDACITY and CLOUD NINE (Apprentice C Wong) which shifted in when placed under pressure.

Apprentice Wong was advised that whilst JE PENSE was improving into tight running, nonetheless he must ensure that he makes every effort to prevent his mounts from shifting ground and causing unnecessary crowding.

After this, JE PENSE was awkwardly placed outside the heels of AUDACITY and near the 250 Metres was shifted to the inside of that horse to obtain clear running.

Then over the concluding stages, JE PENSE raced in restricted room inside AUDACITY which shifted in.

Near the 150 Metres, PREMIUM CHAMPION was momentarily awkwardly placed outside GOOD FIT which shifted out under pressure.

Throughout the race, PREMIUM CHAMPION travelled wide and without cover.

The performance of BO DUKE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable.

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

The performance of SUM WIN DRAGON, a last start winner, which gave ground in the Straight to finish at the rear of the field, was considered unacceptable.

Before being allowed to race again, SUM WIN DRAGON 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 his riding of CLOUD NINE after the 1000 Metres, Apprentice C Wong stated that approaching and passing the 900 Metres he was racing in a position outside SUM WIN DRAGON and although not racing immediately to the outside of that horse, he did not believe that there was sufficient room for a horse to be able to improve between CLOUD NINE and SUM WIN DRAGON.

He said making the turn after the 900 Metres it appeared that SUM WIN DRAGON lay in whilst at the same time CLOUD NINE made that turn awkwardly and shifted out marginally which resulted in a run becoming available for AUDACITY to improve its position between CLOUD NINE and SUM WIN DRAGON.

He said CLOUD NINE was consequently left racing three wide and without cover from that point.

Apprentice Wong was advised to ensure that, due to the competitive nature of Hong Kong racing, he must make every endeavour to have his horses positioned so that other runners are not able to easily obtain more advantageous positions and to the detriment of his mount.

After the race, M Chadwick stated that, in his opinion, REMARKABLE did not appreciate the track condition of the turf track after being successful in its two most recent starts on the All Weather surface.

He said he also believed that REMARKABLE was not suited by the moderate tempo of the race in the early and middle stages.

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

The performance of REMARKABLE was considered unacceptable.

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

AUDACITY and JE PENSE were sent for sampling.