Recap by phillip woo

Well-backed late, Meaningful Star kept on gamely for back-to-back wins over the Valley 1,800m after assuming the front from long-time leader Nimble Nimbus 250m out following a pace-stalking run. He enjoyed the light weight following a rise in class and does love the Valley. Butterfield came from last to snatch second after a slow start. He's an honest performer over 1,800m at either track. Nimble Nimbus grudgingly gave way after dictating the run. He's as honest as the day is long. Nearly Fine made good ground late to fill the frame after fading back from a wide draw. He doesn't know how to produce a bad run over this course. Favourite Sword Point ended fifth after chasing the speed three wide without cover the entire trip. He had a clear excuse. Alacrity came up one paced when asked for more after slotting one-out, one-back from gate 12. He was trying the Valley for the first time but was given every chance. La City Blanche ran on without threatening after settling second last in the run. He wasn't up to the challenge following a win in an easier class.

Racing Incident Report

Race Nine: (711) - BRIAR HANDICAP - Class 2 - 1800Meters

LA CITY BLANCHE jumped only fairly.

HANDSOME TWELVE was crowded at the start by SAVAQUIN which shifted out.

BUTTERFIELD was slow to begin and was then shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

Near the 1300 Metres, LA CITY BLANCHE was steadied when momentarily crowded by HANDSOME TWELVE which shifted in.

Approaching the 200 Metres, HANDSOME TWELVE was steadied when crowded between NEARLY FINE and SAVAQUIN (H Bowman) which, after improving into a tight run to the outside of TURIN REDSUN, was taken out slightly by that runner.

H Bowman was advised to exercise care.

SWORD POINT raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event.

After the race, Z Purton (ALACRITY) stated that he was instructed to take up a more forward position tonight as connections felt that it was difficult to make up ground from back in the field.

He also reported that ALACRITY was making an abnormal respiratory noise during the running of the event.

Trainer J Richards confirmed the instructions issued.

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

A veterinary inspection of SAVVY NINE and LA CITY BLANCHE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

A veterinary inspection of SWORD POINT immediately following the race found that horse to be lame in its left hind leg.

Before being allowed to race again, SWORD POINT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

SWORD POINT, MEANINGFUL STAR and BUTTERFIELD were sent for sampling.

<1/6/2023 Additional Veterinary Reports> SAVVY NINE, which performed disappointingly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said at that time there were no significant findings.

SAVVY NINE was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer D J Whyte this morning.

He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left hind leg.

Before being allowed to race again, SAVVY NINE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

---

GENERAL:

1.

After the running of Race 2, the track classification was officially changed from "Good??to "Good to Firm?? This change in the opinion of the Stewards should be recorded as being retrospective.

As a consequence of this, the official results will show Races 1 and 2 being run on a track rated "Good to Firm??

2.

28 May 2023 Sha Tin Racemeeting - Race 2 (693) The Stewards tonight inquired into K H Chan's riding of TOTAL POWER in this event.

Jockey Chan stated that he was instructed to take up a forward position and if available hold the lead given the expected slow early pace of the race.

He said in the early stages despite making some use of his mount to hold a more forward position, TOTAL POWER did not show sufficient pace to race outside or in the lead and as a result settled in an on-pace position behind the leader.

He added that in the early stages he had assessed the pace of the event to be slow but was reluctant to allow TOTAL POWER to stride forward as he was focusing on potentially following PACKING HURRICANE which was positioned to his inside.

He said when the pace of the event quickened from the 1200 Metres and PACKING HURRICANE shifted out, PACKING HURRICANE did not improve into the race as he had expected and as a result he lost his position in the race and drifted towards the rear of the field.

Trainer D J Hall confirmed the instructions issued.

The Stewards advised K H Chan that, in their opinion, he had made an error of judgement, having regard to the instructions and the slow early place, by not obtaining a more forward position on TOTAL POWER which would have prevented PACKING HURRICANE from shifting out near the 1100 Metres and allowed TOTAL POWER to maintain a more competitive position during that section of the race.

3.

Racing Laboratory tests of SUNLIGHT POWER, SPEEDY FORTUNE, DREAM PURSUER, HONG KONG HALL, DREAM WINNER, AMAZING ROCKY, BULB PRINCE, MEDIC ELITE, JOYFUL GENIUS, MASTER OF FORTUNE, PAKISTAN FRIEND, ROUND THE EARTH, CASA LEGEND, LUCKY GOLD, FLYING MOJITO, PLEASANT ENDEAVOR, KA YING SPIRIT, RUN RUN COOL, LUCKY ENCOUNTER, REWARD SMILE, TUCHEL, FLAMING RABBIT, MIGHTY STRIDE, CHARITY BINGO, FIND MY LOVE and TAJ DRAGON (21.5.23) proved negative.

SUMMARY:

1.

Withdrawal Race 2: LUCKY DIAMOND (standby runner) on 30.5.23 on veterinary advice.

2.

Fine Race 3: Apprentice Y L Chung (FIERY FLYING): $30,000 for careless riding near the 1400 Metres.

3.

Reprimands Race 1: K C Leung (HAPPY JAI JAI) for shifting in approaching the 1500 Metres.

Race 8: A Badel (MALDIVES) for shifting in near the 1400 Metres.

4.

Warnings Race 9: H Bowman (SAVAQUIN) for shifting out approaching the 200 Metres.

General: K H Chan (TOTAL POWER) re his riding in the early stages.

5.

Suspensions Race 2: H Bowman (REACH GOAL) for careless riding approaching the 2000 Metres (from 14 June 2023 until 19 June 2023 on which day he may resume race riding - 2 Hong Kong racedays).

Race 3: Apprentice Y L Chung (FIERY FLYING) for careless riding near the 1400 Metres (from 14 June 2023 until 26 June 2023 on which day he may resume race riding - 3 Hong Kong racedays).

6.

Barrier Trials Race 4: MASTER OF ALL

7.

Official Veterinary Examinations Race 2: LUCKY DIAMOND REACH GOAL Race 3: PERFECT TO GREAT Race 4: MASTER OF ALL Race 7: VICTORY SCHOLARS Race 9: SWORD POINT

8.

Course and False Outside Rail Arrangement Turf C+3 Course

9.

Rolling Arrangement The track was rolled after race

4.