Recap by phillip woo

Favourite Diamond Friends just collared Winningli in the shadows of the post for a second straight win after a prominent run. He should remain in the grade but will find it harder at the top of the weights. Specked late Winningli nearly made all as the runaway leader off a feather weight with a return to the All-Weather track. This might be his surface. Firming late in betting Great Toplight stuck on well after chasing the leader from a wide gate to finish a distant third. His ability to act on both surfaces at a mile and under should see him salute shortly in this class. Exponents just lost a placing after travelling fore of midfield. It was a better effort at his third run in the grade but likely needs to drop further in the handicaps. Best of the backmarkers was Happy Friendship and lateplunged Holy Unicorn who both ran on without menacing. However, Happy Friendship and Holy Unicorn are better suited over the 1,800m on this surface.

Racing Incident Report

Race Three: (157) - WA MEI SHAN HANDICAP - Class 5 - 1650Meters

Whilst in the saddling stalls, HAPPY BEAUTY had its left front plate refitted.

HAPPY BEAUTY was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race.

HAPPY FRIENDSHIP began awkwardly and lost ground.

DIGITAL PIONEER shifted out at the start and bumped the hindquarters of GENTLEMEN which became unbalanced.

NOTED PERFORMER and HOLY UNICORN bumped at the start.

From wide barriers, DIGITAL PIONEER, OWNERS' DELIGHT and EQUITY DOCTRINE were shifted across behind runners to obtain cover in the early stages.

Despite being vigorously ridden along in the early stages, JIMSON THE FAMOUS failed to muster speed.

Passing the winning post on the first occasion, EXPONENTS shifted out marginally, resulting in HAPPY BEAUTY being taken out onto HOLY UNICORN, causing those horses to bump and become unbalanced.

O Doleuze (EQUITY DOCTRINE) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 1400 Metres he permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of DIGITAL PIONEER, causing that horse to be checked and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled.

O Doleuze was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Wednesday, 8 November 2017 and to expire on Sunday, 12 November 2017 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays).

Approaching the 500 Metres, DIAMOND FRIENDS (J Moreira) and SOCCER BRAVE raced tight as SOCCER BRAVE shifted out into tight running between GREAT TOPLIGHT and DIAMOND FRIENDS.

SOCCER BRAVE and DIAMOND FRIENDS then continued to race tight for some distance and near the 450 Metres DIAMOND FRIENDS became unbalanced and lay in, resulting in SOCCER BRAVE being crowded for room outside GREAT TOPLIGHT.

As the Stewards were of the opinion that there was no carelessness exhibited by either rider in this incident, no further action was taken, however, J Moreira was advised to do his utmost to ensure that his mounts do not shift ground and cause crowding to other runners.

Passing the 100 Metres, EQUITY DOCTRINE was steadied when momentarily disappointed for running between HOLY UNICORN and SOCCER BRAVE which shifted out.

Over the concluding stages, HAPPY FRIENDSHIP lay in under pressure.

Close to the finishing line, WINNINGLI and DIAMOND FRIENDS raced tight.

Also close to the finishing line, EXPONENTS raced tight inside GREAT TOPLIGHT which was corrected by its rider.

After the race, Z Purton reported that HAPPY BEAUTY hung out throughout the race.

DIAMOND FRIENDS and WINNINGLI were sent for sampling.