Recap by phillip woo

Storm Legend came from midfield with a perfectly timed run along the fence to knock off long-time leader Big Red and remain undefeated in two runs since teaming up with 10-pound claimer Ellis Wong. Big Red gave a cheeky sight in front to nearly salute at a $91. It was a much-improved effort on his third local start. Wings of War kept on gamely to finish a close third following his speed-tracking run from his wide draw. He has turned the corner to place in his past two starts following the addition of blinkers to his gear. Punted late, Roman Turbo was already one-paced when impeded late following his boxseat run. He ran OK but Class Four is where he belongs. Hoss stayed on to finish next best without threatening the top four following his run off the fence behind midfield. He did not get the race run to suit after winning three of his four previous starts, all of them over 1,200m at Happy Valley. Favourite Chiu Chow Spirit peaked on his effort 100m out. He had no excuse. Noble Win made a mild bid after saving ground behind midfield. He required a stronger tempo. California Voce never got into the act from towards the rear. He was at the mercy of a paceless race.

Racing Incident Report

Race Nine: (720) - SHING MUN RIVER CHANNEL HANDICAP - Class 3 - 1400Meters

SUPER TEN was withdrawn on 1.6.23 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter VILLA FIONN.

Before being allowed to race again, SUPER TEN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

NOBLE WIN jumped only fairly and then was crowded between ROMAN TURBO and STORM LEGEND, both of which shifted ground.

CHIU CHOW SPIRIT jumped awkwardly, shifted in and bumped BIG RED.

BON'S A PEARLA bounded on jumping and lost ground.

MIDORI BEAUTY was slow to begin.

SEASONS BLISS jumped awkwardly and made contact with the left side of its barrier.

Shortly after the start, CALIFORNIA VOCE was hampered when crowded by WINGS OF WAR which, after bumping with HOSS at the start, shifted in.

In the early stages, CHARITY GRACE raced fiercely and refused to settle and for some distance approaching the 1200 Metres was checked away from the heels of STORM LEGEND.

A short distance later, CHARITY GRACE, which continued to race fiercely, was steadied to avoid CHIU CHOW SPIRIT (L Hewitson) which shifted in when not quite clear.

L Hewitson was advised to exercise more care.

VILLA FIONN, which was following CHARITY GRACE, was steadied away from that horse and then raced ungenerously in the middle stages.

Near the 1100 Metres, NOBLE WIN was steadied to avoid STORM LEGEND (Apprentice E C W Wong) which shifted in when not clear.

Apprentice Wong was reprimanded.

HOSS raced wide and without cover until the 700 Metres.

MIDORI BEAUTY was left racing wide and without cover from the 700 Metres.

Near the 300 Metres, STORM LEGEND improved into a narrow run to the inside of ROMAN TURBO and was then inclined to lay out, resulting in its rider, Apprentice E C W Wong, changing his whip to his left hand near the 250 Metres before he had some difficulty pulling his whip through.

Over the final 100 Metres, ROMAN TURBO was held up for clear running behind BIG RED and to the inside of WINGS OF WAR and as a consequence could not be ridden out to the finish of the event.

After the race, Mr C W Chang, trainer of BIG RED, stated that he had requested C Wong to take up a forward position from the favourable barrier and to take advantage of Jockey Wong's claim.

Also after the race, M L Yeung (SEASONS BLISS) reported that he was concerned with his mount's action in the Straight and when not in a competitive position he desisted from riding it out.

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

The performance of SEASONS BLISS, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable.

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

Following the race, BIG RED was noted to have sustained a small laceration to the right hind heel bulb.

After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on CHIU CHOW SPIRIT at the request of Trainer T P Yung.

The Veterinary Officer said this examination found the horse to be a "roarer?? A veterinary inspection of CALIFORNIA VOCE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

CHIU CHOW SPIRIT, STORM LEGEND and BIG RED were sent for sampling.