Recap by phillip woo

Safari Magic failed to beat a galloper home in two earlier starts, but was handy near the speed and two off the stands side, brushed with Jade Christy while switching into the clear at the 300m and split runners to get up 100m out to score an upset win. He was possibly suited by the softer ground conditions. Early favourite Jade Christy was prominent on the speed underneath Safari Magic, brushed with The Prince at the 300m, hit the lead 150m out and couldn't repel the winner. Dane Patrol dictated the running, was headed 150m out and fought on gamely to hold third. Well Fit eventually worked up to third and in the centre of the course from an inside gate, was placed under pressure at the 300m and held his ground to just hold Kowloon East King for fourth. Late-fancied favourite Diamond Knight made his run in midfield after breaking sluggishly, was coasting until the 300m and kept on flat over the final 150m. Specked late, Liverpool Lad kept on passed beaten runners, while another punted late, Dragimova was beaten a long way out.

Racing Incident Report

Race Two: (693) - IWC HANDICAP - Class 4 - 1000 Meters ABLE MAGIC was slow to begin.

DIAMOND KNIGHT was slow to begin and shortly after the start was crowded for room between G J WINNER and JADE CHRISTY which shifted out.

Near the 800 Metres, G J WINNER, which shifted in slightly, was checked away from the heels of JADE CHRISTY (M Zahra) which shifted out.

M Zahra was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in future.

Near the 400 Metres, THE PRINCE became unbalanced after being bumped by JADE CHRISTY which shifted to the inside of DANE PATROL to obtain clear running.

M Zahra was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he exercises due care when shifting ground in future.

After the 400 Metres, KOWLOON EAST KING and DANE PATROL bumped.

SAFARI MAGIC, which was following, was steadied in consequence.

Passing the 150 Metres, JADE CHRISTY and SAFARI MAGIC raced tight and then passing the 50 Metres JADE CHRISTY and SAFARI MAGIC bumped.

Just prior to the line, HO HO BROTHER was crowded for room between CHOSEN WIN and THE PRINCE (M Chadwick) which shifted out when giving ground.

M Chadwick was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances.

For the majority of the race, CHOSEN WIN got its head on the side and hung out.

When questioned regarding the improved performance of SAFARI MAGIC, Trainer Y S Tsui stated that he had not been satisfied with the manner in which the horse had travelled in its first two race starts in Hong Kong when having to negotiate turns.

He said for this reason he decided to race SAFARI MAGIC over the straight 1000 Metres to see whether it would be able to travel more comfortably and accordingly would be able to close off the race.

He said that prior to its most recent start SAFARI MAGIC had barrier trialed over the course and distance and had performed well in this trial.

He said although he had hoped that SAFARI MAGIC would run an improved race today, its win was not anticipated.

After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that THE PRINCE had lost its right front plate and that DIAMOND KNIGHT had sustained a small cut to the outside of the right hind pastern.

A veterinary inspection of G J WINNER after the race did not show any significant findings.

The performance of G J WINNER, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable.

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

DIAMOND KNIGHT, SAFARI MAGIC and JADE CHRISTY were sent for sampling.