Recap by phillip woo

Old-timer Sharp Hunter came on very well after travelling midfield to mow down favourite Super Junior in the shadows of the post for a fourth career win. He had put the writing on the wall last start but is likely to find it harder on a win line up in class. Firming favourite Super Junior shared the lead underneath Pearly Treasure, booted away at the head of the straight and found one better in the end. He needed the run off a break but is a winner waiting to happen at this level. Arizona Blizzard kept on third best following a midfield run on the fence but did wipe out a few chances when running out approaching the 100m. He's hit a patch of form following a downgrade in his past two starts and should be breaking through shortly on either surface. Best Runner held his ground following a box-seat run at only his third starts He's heading in the right direction. Applause got going late without menacing after a patient ride third from the rear. He needs a fast pace.

Racing Incident Report

Race Three: (440) - VILLAGE HANDICAP - Class 4 - 1200Meters

When the tongue tie, part of the gear in which THE HAPPY BUNCH was declared to race, could not be fitted prior to being presented in the Parade Ring, a further attempt to apply that gear to THE HAPPY BUNCH was made behind the barriers.

When the tongue tie was not able to be applied to the horse due to THE HAPPY BUNCH being fractious, permission was granted for the horse to race without a tongue tie.

STARLOT lifted its front feet off the ground at the start and consequently was slow to begin.

This resulted in STARLOT racing back in the field.

From outside barriers, COOL ARMY and ORIENTAL ELITE were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners.

APPLAUSE was also steadied from a wide barrier to obtain cover.

Passing the 900 Metres, APPLAUSE momentarily raced in restricted room inside ORIENTAL ELITE which shifted ground when travelling keenly.

Making the turn after the 600 Metres, BEST RUNNER got its head up, shifted out and bumped THE HAPPY BUNCH, causing both horses to become unbalanced.

Passing the 300 Metres, ARIZONA BLIZZARD was shifted out away from the heels of BEST RUNNER to obtain clear running.

J Moreira (ARIZONA BLIZZARD) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that near the 150 Metres he failed to take sufficient measures to prevent his mount from shifting out across the rightful running of PEARLY TREASURE, resulting in that horse being severely checked and losing the running to which it was rightfully entitled.

J Moreira was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 11 March 2018 and to expire on Thursday, 15 March 2018 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays).

In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account Jockey Moreira's good race riding record.

Simultaneous with PEARLY TREASURE being checked, THE HAPPY BUNCH, which had initially shifted in away from SHARP HUNTER, was steadied when crowded for room between ARIZONA BLIZZARD which continued to shift out despite the efforts of its rider, J Moreira, and SHARP HUNTER (P-C Boudot) which shifted in under pressure.

As the Stewards were satisfied that there was a significant contribution to this incident from ARIZONA BLIZZARD, but at the relevant time J Moreira was making sufficient endeavours to prevent his mount from shifting out, P-C Boudot was reprimanded and advised that in these circumstances he should have stopped riding and straightened his mount.

Close to the finishing line, HORSE PROSPEROUS was crowded for room inside ARIZONA BLIZZARD which was steadied to avoid the heels of SHARP HUNTER which shifted in.

P-C Boudot was severely reprimanded and advised that in similar circumstances he would be expected to stop riding and straighten his mounts.

After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that ARIZONA BLIZZARD had finished distressed.

Before being allowed to race again, ARIZONA BLIZZARD will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

SHARP HUNTER and SUPER JUNIOR were sent for sampling.