Race:1 (348) DAFFODIL HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 2 1200 m

As the start was effected, ASTROLOGER reared and bumped the outside of its gate, resulting in ASTROLOGER losing a significant amount of ground. Before being allowed to race again, ASTROLOGER will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial.
PING HAI GALAXY stumbled at the start.
KA YING MASTER began awkwardly and then was bumped by SUPER WIN DRAGON which shifted out.
After the 1000 Metres, YOU’REMYEVERYTHING raced tight outside SUPER WIN DRAGON (C Y Ho) when taken wider by that horse which shifted out. SUPER WIN DRAGON and YOU’REMYEVERYTHING continued to race tight for some distance after this. C Y Ho was advised to ensure that he avoids making unnecessary contact with other runners when shifting ground. Then making the turn near the 700 Metres SUPER WIN DRAGON was awkwardly placed close to the heels of KA YING MASTER when continuing to race tight inside YOU’REMYEVERYTHING.
Passing the winning post, CLASSIC UNICORN raced tight inside YOU’REMYEVERYTHING which shifted to the inside of PING HAI GALAXY.
When questioned, C Y Ho stated that making the first turn he had to make some use of SUPER WIN DRAGON to be as close to the leaders as possible after the 800 Metres. He said after being placed under pressure rounding the Home Turn, SUPER WIN DRAGON did not show the same turn of foot that it had in its races recently and then was somewhat disappointing over the concluding stages in respect of the manner in which it finished the race off. A veterinary inspection of SUPER WIN DRAGON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
SUPER WIN DRAGON, PING HAI GALAXY and KA YING MASTER were sent for sampling.

Race:2 (349) ORCHID HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 5 1200 m

HANDSOME GUYS began only fairly.
SUPER CLASS shifted in at the start and inconvenienced GOLD COMET.
STEEL WIN and TREASURE OF FIELD bumped on jumping.
From the outside barriers, FORTUNE MARBO, ACA POWER and TOUCH FAITH were steadied on jumping and shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover.
Near the 950 Metres, TOUCH FAITH commenced to travel keenly and was very awkwardly placed close to the heels of TREASURE OF FIELD which was being steadied to obtain cover.
After the 700 Metres, STEEL WIN was left racing wide and without cover.
Making the turn after the 700 Metres, TOUCH FAITH raced in restricted room between ACA POWER and FORTUNE MARBO which shifted in. Then approaching the 600 Metres, TOUCH FAITH was awkwardly placed behind ACA POWER.
After the 500 Metres, FORTUNE MARBO raced tight outside the heels of TREASURE OF FIELD. Then at the entrance to the Straight, FORTUNE MARBO was shifted out away from the heels of TREASURE OF FIELD which shifted out. Near the 350 Metres, FORTUNE MARBO, which was continuing to lay in, became unbalanced when steadied away from the heels of TREASURE OF FIELD which was bumped by ACA POWER (H Bowman) which shifted out to obtain clear running. H Bowman was told that whilst the Stewards acknowledged that FORTUNE MARBO’s tendency to lay in had contributed to this incident, nonetheless he was reprimanded and told to exercise more care than he did on this occasion when shifting ground. After the race, TREASURE OF FIELD was found to have sustained a laceration to the right front fetlock.
A veterinary inspection of GOLDEN MISSION immediately following the race found that horse to be a "roarer” which had previously been reported.
A veterinary inspection of GOLD COMET immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
COLOURFUL PRINCE and ACA POWER were sent for sampling.

Race:3 (350) LILY HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 2 1600 m

THE ROCK and ENJOYING brushed on jumping.
CALIFORNIA TEN was bumped a short distance after the start when racing tight between ENJOYING and RUNNING GLORY which shifted in.
From a wide barrier, EXCELLENT PROPOSAL was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners.
For some distance after the 1400 Metres, THE ROCK travelled strongly when being steadied to obtain cover and approaching and passing the 1100 Metres was awkwardly placed behind ENJOYING.
Passing the 600 Metres, RUNNING GLORY raced tight outside CALIFORNIA TEN which shifted out to follow BEAUTY LIVE.
SPIRITED EXPRESS had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight.
Close to the finishing line, THE ROCK turned its head towards SPIRITED EXPRESS. This matter was brought to the attention of Mr C Fownes, the trainer of THE ROCK.
After the race, it was reported that EXCELLENT PROPOSAL had bled from both nostrils.
A veterinary inspection of ALL FOR ST PAUL’S immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
BEAUTY LIVE and CALIFORNIA TEN were sent for sampling.

Race:4 (351) DAISY HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 5 1200 m

BUDDY SPIRIT bounded in the air at the start and consequently lost ground.
YEE CHEONG BRAVE began awkwardly.
STRIVE FOR GLORY shifted out on jumping and inconvenienced FELIX THE KING.
EASY LIFE was hampered at the start when steadied away from the heels of RAGING BLAZE which shifted in .
CIRCUIT SPLENDOR shifted out on jumping and bumped FANTASY SPRING which in turn inconvenienced ALLOY STAR which then shifted out and bumped BOOMING WELL. After this, from a wide barrier, ALLOY STAR was shifted across behind runners.
Near the 950 Metres, YEE CHEONG BRAVE was eased away from the heels of RAGING BLAZE.
Approaching the 900 Metres, ALLOY STAR was inconvenienced when racing tight inside BOOMING WELL which got its head up on a number of occasions when racing ungenerously. BOOMING WELL was then left racing wide and without cover passing the 800 Metres and after the 600 Metres was taken wider by M M JOHNNY which improved to the outside of LITTLE PLAYER. After this, BOOMING WELL got its head on the side and lay out away from M M JOHNNY. Then at the 400 Metres, BOOMING WELL was bumped by M M JOHNNY which was racing tight outside LITTLE PLAYER.
Passing the 500 Metres, ALLOY STAR raced close to the heels of M M JOHNNY.
CIRCUIT SPLENDOR had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight.
L Hewitson (ALLOY STAR) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that passing the 400 Metres he directed his mount out when not clear of BUDDY SPIRIT, resulting in that horse having to be checked. L Hewitson was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 12 February 2023 and to expire on Thursday, 16 February 2023 on which day he may resume race riding (2 Hong Kong racedays). In assessing penalty, the Stewards took into account Jockey Hewitson’s good race riding record.
RAGING BLAZE was shifted out a number of horses after the 400 Metres to obtain clear running and passing the 200 Metres was momentarily crowded for room between ALLOY STAR and BOOMING WELL which shifted out away from M M JOHNNY.
Close to the finishing line, FELIX THE KING was shifted out away from the heels of HAPPY TRIO which shifted out.
After the race, Z Purton was not able to offer any explanation for the performance of M M JOHNNY which he described as disappointing. He said after shifting to the outside of LITTLE PLAYER after the 600 Metres, M M JOHNNY responded only fairly to his riding in the early part of the Straight and then did not finish the race off as anticipated. A veterinary inspection of M M JOHNNY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of BOOMING WELL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
M M JOHNNY, HAPPY TRIO and LITTLE PLAYER were sent for sampling.

Race:5 (352) PEACH BLOSSOM HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1200 m

As the start was effected, INSPIRING CITY turned its head to the left, resulting in the horse beginning only fairly, and then on jumping was steadied away from the heels of CALIFORNIA FOREST which shifted in.
SERGEANT PEPPER shifted in at the start and bumped ADEFILL.
From the outside barrier, STAND UP was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover.
Near the 1100 Metres, TELECOM MISSILE was awkwardly placed outside the heels of SON PAK FU.
SHINING FORTUNE was held up for clear running approaching the 400 Metres.
When giving ground, FLYING BONUS was eased away from the heels of SON PAK FU which shifted in passing the 200 Metres.
Throughout the race, MAGIC SUPREME travelled wide and without cover.
A veterinary inspection of FLYING BONUS and TURBO POWER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
ADEFILL and STAND UP were sent for sampling.

Race:6 (353) GLADIOLUS HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1600 m

DRAGON PRIDE began only fairly and bumped the outside of its gate and then lost ground after being steadied away from the heels of DEAR SIBLING which shifted in.
CHING was steadied in the early stages to obtain cover.
Passing the 1500 Metres, FLYING MOJITO was shifted out away from the heels of ONE HEART ONE which was taken out by OSCAR GLORY. CHING was inconvenienced in consequence.
OSCAR GLORY travelled keenly after the 1400 Metres.
Near the 1350 Metres, DEAR SIBLING raced in restricted room between DRAGON PRIDE and FLYING MOJITO.
Making the turn after the 900 Metres, MACH TEN got its head up when being eased away from the heels of TURQUOISE ALPHA. FLYING MOJITO, which was following MACH TEN, was inconvenienced in consequence.
Approaching the 700 Metres, MISSION BRAVO was shifted out away from the heels of MIGHTY STAR as that horse came under pressure. After this, MISSION BRAVO travelled wide and without cover.
Throughout the race, MIGHTY STAR travelled wide and without cover and after the 600 Metres came under pressure and then gave ground in the Straight and finished tailed out. The performance of MIGHTY STAR was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MIGHTY STAR will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
Passing the 400 Metres, MACH TEN was steadied when crowded for room between TURQUOISE ALPHA and ONE HEART ONE (K Teetan) which shifted out before being directed in abruptly to relieve the crowding to MACH TEN. When ONE HEART ONE was shifted back in, FLYING MOJITO, which was following, was steadied away from the heels of that horse in consequence, after which FLYING MOJITO was held up for clear running. K Teetan was severely reprimanded and told that whilst the Stewards accepted that he did react in a timely manner to the crowding to MACH TEN, nonetheless he must exercise more care in future to ensure that he is properly clear when shifting ground. After this, MACH TEN had difficulty obtaining clear running and passing the 300 Metres was held up behind initially TURQUOISE ALPHA and then OSCAR GLORY until passing the 200 Metres.
Near the 250 Metres, DEAR SIBLING became unbalanced when improving into very tight running inside GENERAL ACE which commenced to give ground.
Close to the finishing line, ONE HEART ONE was bumped by DRAGON PRIDE (A Hamelin) which shifted out under pressure. A Hamelin was advised that in similar circumstances he would be expected to stop riding and straighten his mounts. MACH TEN, which was racing to the outside of ONE HEART ONE, was inconvenienced in consequence.
After the race, S De Sousa stated that after riding his mount positively from a wide barrier in the early stages, he steadied TURQUOISE ALPHA to obtain cover approaching and passing the 1400 Metres. He said when racing wide, he rode his mount along after the 1300 Metres to clear MACH TEN so as to obtain cover. He said because of these circumstances TURQUOISE ALPHA was ridden in a more forward position today than had been intended.
A veterinary inspection of OSCAR GLORY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
CHING and FLYING MOJITO were sent for sampling.

Race:7 (354) ROSE HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1000 m

YOO YOO KNIGHT began awkwardly.
DASHING TRIUMPH shifted out at the start and bumped PRINCE OF PORTY.
GLENEALY GENERALS began only fairly and then was crowded for room outside CHEVAL VALIANT which shifted out.
EXCELLENT FIGHTER also began only fairly and then was crowded for room between SPARKLING DOLPHIN and NOBLE ONE which shifted in. In the early stages, EXCELLENT FIGHTER lay in.
At the 800 Metres, FLYING HIGH was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SPARKLING DOLPHIN which shifted out before being directed back in to relieve the crowding to FLYING HIGH.
Approaching the 600 Metres, FLYING HIGH and FORTE brushed.
EXCELLENT FIGHTER had some difficulty obtaining clear running approaching the 400 Metres.
Approaching the 200 Metres, HANDSOME REBEL lay out under pressure.
A veterinary inspection of UPTREND immediately following the race which included an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea.
EXCELLENT FIGHTER, PRINCE OF PORTY and FLYING HIGH were sent for sampling.

Race:8 (355) CINERARIA HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 4 1400 m

RUN RUN BUDDY began awkwardly and bumped the inside of its gate.
FORERUNNER shifted in at the start and was eased away from the heels of YOUNG VICTORY.
GALLANT HERO and VANQUISHER bumped on jumping.
From the outside barriers, GOLDEN BULL and KASI FARASI were shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain a position closer to the rail.
Approaching the 1200 Metres, STRONGEST BOY was awkwardly placed close to the heels of HELENE WISDOM STAR which was being steadied to obtain cover.
After the 1200 Metres, GOLDEN BULL was shifted in away from the heels of STRONGEST BOY.
Passing the 1050 Metres, YOUNG VICTORY and GANG OF BROTHERS brushed.
HELENE WISDOM STAR was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight.
After the 300 Metres, FORERUNNER was shifted out away from behind RUN RUN BUDDY to obtain clear running.
Approaching the 250 Metres, STRONGEST BOY raced tight inside GOLDEN BULL which got its head on the side and lay in under pressure.
Passing the 200 Metres, ROMANTIC LAOS was inconvenienced by STRONGEST BOY which shifted in.
GALLANT HERO lay in in the Straight and proved difficult to ride.
Throughout the race, SMILING MOON travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground and finished tailed out. The performance of SMILING MOON was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SMILING MOON will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of SMILING MOON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
When questioned regarding the improved performance of BULLETPROOF, Trainer P F Yiu stated that whilst he expected BULLETPROOF to run an improved race today, it was not anticipated that the horse would be able to be successful. He said BULLETPROOF was returning to Class 4 today, a grade in which it had previously raced successfully, and he believed that this was the principal reason for the horse’s improved performance. He also added that BULLETPROOF had benefitted by being ridden by R Maia who had previously ridden the horse to success.
When questioned, S De Sousa stated that, from the outside barrier, he was asked to shift KASI FARASI across behind runners in the early stages as it was felt that the horse would not finish off were it to be ridden to obtain a more forward position. He said after being shifted across behind the eventual winner BULLETPROOF in the early stages, KASI FARASI appeared to "switch off”. He said he gave consideration to shifting to the outside of BULLETPROOF to commence improving after the 600 Metres, however, felt that that horse was shifting out and therefore he was concerned if he improved to BULLETPROOF’s outside, KASI FARASI would be taken unnecessarily wide and he therefore elected to obtain a run inside BULLETPROOF near the 500 Metres. He said KASI FARASI initially quickened satisfactorily before being held up for clear running after the 400 Metres. He said after shifting KASI FARASI to the inside of HELENE WISDOM STAR, his mount finished the race off only fairly over the latter stages. He added that KASI FARASI did not show the same turn of foot today that it had at its most recent start when successful and when able to obtain a midfield position from an inside barrier. A veterinary inspection of KASI FARASI immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
A veterinary inspection of VANQUISHER immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, VANQUISHER will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
A veterinary inspection of YOUNG VICTORY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
FORERUNNER, BULLETPROOF and GOLDEN BULL were sent for sampling.

Race:9 (356) AZALEA HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 2000 m

On arrival at the barriers, A Badel expressed some concern regarding the action of SAVVY KINGMAN. The Veterinary Officer reported that after inspecting SAVVY KINGMAN and the necessary consultations, the horse was suitable to race. After the race, A Badel stated that SAVVY KINGMAN came off the bridle passing the 800 Metres and he rode his mount along in an attempt to prevent FIVE G PATCH from shifting out inside SAVVY KINGMAN. He said despite being ridden along SAVVY KINGMAN would not maintain its position and he had to continue to ride it along approaching and rounding the Home Turn. He added that in the early part of the Straight SAVVY KINGMAN was not travelling well and did not feel comfortable in its action and for this reason he did not ride his mount out vigorously over the latter stages. He added that after the race SAVVY KINGMAN appeared to be sound in its action. A veterinary inspection of SAVVY KINGMAN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, SAVVY KINGMAN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.
INCANTO PREPARED and SWAN BAY bumped at the start. SWAN BAY and INCANTO PREPARED were then steadied and shifted across behind runners.
ABOVE and NATURAL STORM bumped on jumping. Then from wide barriers, ABOVE and NATURAL STORM were shifted across behind runners.
Approaching the 1700 Metres, INCANTO PREPARED was awkwardly placed behind INTREPID WINNER.
In the early stages, WOODFIRE BRO was left racing wide and without cover and approaching the 1300 Metres was allowed to improve its position to race outside the lead after the 1200 Metres at which time MALDIVES was left racing wide and without cover.
SUPERBELLA was left racing wide and without cover after passing the winning post on the first occasion and was then steadied to obtain cover after the 1300 Metres.
NATURAL STORM raced wide and without cover from near the 900 Metres and lay out rounding the Home Turn.
Near the 550 Metres, MALDIVES was bumped and taken wider by FIVE G PATCH which shifted out.
Approaching the 200 Metres, INCANTO PREPARED raced tight inside WOODFIRE BRO which got its head on the side and lay in.
FIVE G PATCH and CHAMPION DRAGON were sent for sampling.

Race:10 (357) PEONY HANDICAP (Sec1) Class 3 1200 m

WONDER KIT began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped the hindquarters of YOUTHFUL DEAL. WONDER KIT was then bumped a short distance after the start by HYPER DRAGON BALL which shifted in after bumping CAPE BRETON at the start.
From a wide barrier, LUCKY ARCHANGEL was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners to obtain a position closer to the rail.
Near the 950 Metres, LIKE THAT raced tight outside MAGNIAC and then passing the 900 Metres was steadied away from the heels of MAGNIAC.
YOUTHFUL DEAL had some difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight.
At the 400 Metres, CAPE BRETON was shifted out away from the heels of WORLD FAMOUS.
Approaching the 300 Metres, HYPER DRAGON BALL and WONDER KIT bumped, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. WONDER KIT and HYPER DRAGON BALL then raced tight between TEAM SPIRIT and YOUTHFUL DEAL passing the 250 Metres which resulted in WONDER KIT and HYPER DRAGON BALL bumping, causing WONDER KIT to become unbalanced and HYPER DRAGON BALL to be taken out onto the hindquarters of YOUTHFUL DEAL which became unbalanced. Then passing the 200 Metres, TEAM SPIRIT, which was giving ground, was momentarily steadied when racing tight inside WONDER KIT which itself was racing tight inside HYPER DRAGON BALL which attempted to improve into restricted room inside MAGNIAC. Approaching the 100 Metres, HYPER DRAGON BALL was steadied away from the heels of MAGNIAC (S De Sousa) which shifted ground on a number of occasions under pressure. Because of these incidents, HYPER DRAGON BALL was not able to be properly tested. S De Sousa was advised to ensure that he makes every effort to prevent his mounts from shifting ground in similar circumstances.
Over the concluding stages, HYPER DRAGON BALL raced close to the heels of MAGNIAC and because of this was not able to be ridden out all the way to the end of the race.
Throughout the race, BEAUTY ETERNAL travelled wide and without cover.
When questioned, A Badel stated that SCIENCE PATCH had disappointed at its most recent start after being ridden along in the early stages from a wide barrier to obtain a forward position. He said therefore it was decided from barrier 8 today to ride the horse where it was comfortable but not to make use of SCIENCE PATCH in the early stages. He said he was told if SCIENCE PATCH began well and was able to obtain a forward position without being ridden along, this was acceptable, however, it was equally acceptable for SCIENCE PATCH to be ridden more quietly rather than being ridden along in the early stages. He said when SCIENCE PATCH began only fairly, he immediately shifted his mount across behind runners to obtain a position closer to the rail as he was of the view that he would have had to make use of his horse to obtain a position forward of midfield. He said after the 600 Metres he was following JUMBO FORTUNE and positioned inside LUCKY ARCHANGEL and when JUMBO FORTUNE shifted away from the rail passing the 500 Metres, he immediately commenced to improve his position and SCIENCE PATCH then finished the race off satisfactorily over the latter stages.
A veterinary inspection of CALIFORNIA CONCORD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.
BEAUTY ETERNAL and YOUTHFUL DEAL were sent for sampling.