Recap by phillip woo

Rank outsider Cordyceps Six was running about but was still able to get the job done after surging to the lead 250m out following a prominent run near the stands side for a second up win. It was a much-improved effort from start one earlier this month. Turbo Power ran on reasonably well for second after settling a position under the winner in the run. It was another good effort but the seven-pound rise in the weights took its toll following a debut win. Firming favourite Smart Idea ran on steadily for third, though did steady off heels late, travelling handy on the stands side from a high draw. He's given a good sight in both starts and might be crying out for an extra 200m. Cheval Valiant grudgingly gave way after showing gate speed yet again. His gate speed is half the equation and he'll be winning races when coming into his own. Super Kingdom ran on steadily to just miss fourth after shifting off heels for a clear run 200m out following a prominent run near the far side. He's was still very green in the run and will need more time. HK Dragon came up flat chasing the speed in the centre of the course.

Racing Incident Report

Race One: (632) - THE ARGONAUT PLATE - Class GRIFFIN - 1000Meters

MIRACLE VICTORY shifted in on jumping.

CORDYCEPS SIX began awkwardly and then was bumped by GO SING which was crowded for room outside TURBO POWER.

Near the 500 Metres, SUPER KINGDOM was momentarily awkwardly placed outside the heels of MIRACLE VICTORY.

In the middle stages, CHEVAL VALIANT raced with its head on the side and lay in and near the 300 Metres shifted out, inconveniencing SMART IDEA.

CHEVAL VALIANT then again lay in and bumped the hindquarters of CORDYCEPS SIX which itself was shifting out.

This caused both CORDYCEPS SIX and CHEVAL VALIANT to become unbalanced.

When being shifted to the inside of MIRACLE VICTORY to obtain clear running after the 300 Metres, SUPER KINGDOM got its head on the side and shifted in further, resulting in HK DRAGON being inconvenienced.

After this, SUPER KINGDOM raced greenly and shifted ground on a number of occasions and approaching the 150 Metres shifted in abruptly away from the heels of MIRACLE VICTORY.

SUPER KINGDOM then continued to race greenly over the concluding stages.

Near the 200 Metres, CHEVAL VALIANT, which was laying in, was steadied away from the heels of CORDYCEPS SIX (T Piccone) which shifted out under pressure.

T Piccone was advised that whilst the Stewards acknowledged that the racing manners of CHEVAL VALIANT had contributed to this incident, nonetheless he was reprimanded and told in similar circumstances to ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground.

T Piccone (CORDYCEPS SIX) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that over the concluding stages he failed to make sufficient endeavour to prevent his mount from shifting ground which resulted in CORDYCEPS SIX shifting out when not clear of SMART IDEA which was checked and lost the running to which it was rightfully entitled.

T Piccone was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 16 May 2021 and to expire on Thursday, 20 May 2021 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays).

In addition, Jockey Piccone was fined $10,000.

In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into consideration that CORDYCEPS SIX had raced greenly and shifted ground on a number of occasions throughout the race.

After the race, Apprentice C L Chau said that after enjoying a good run in the early stages.

HK DRAGON came under pressure after the 500 Metres and then was somewhat disappointing in its failure to finish off the race over the concluding stages.

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

GO SING lost its left front plate after the race.

SMART IDEA, CORDYCEPS SIX and TURBO POWER were sent for sampling.