Sha Tin – Sunday, January 7, 2024
Race 2 – Class 4 – 1200m
Loyal Bo Bo – 7th – 2.75L
Drawing Barrier 13 was already going to pose a challenge for this four-year-old, rising to 1200m for the first time after two runs over the 1000m. However, a ride that was criticized for ‘lacking initiative’ only exacerbated the situation.
From the stewards’ report:
- Jockey M Chadwick received instructions for LOYAL BO BO: if the horse started well, secure a forward position without exerting too much effort. If unable to move forward, aim to take cover behind midfield.
- Chadwick evaluated the situation after LOYAL BO BO’s reasonable start. He considered following HONG KONG HALL but didn’t due to LOYAL BO BO’s lack of pace. He then aimed to position behind PATCH OF THETA, but PATCH OF KINGDOM’s movement left him racing four-wide and without cover.
- Around the 900m mark, Chadwick considered allowing LOYAL BO BO to advance past PATCH OF THETA. However, seeing that PATCH OF THETA was performing well, he chose to remain four-wide without cover, feeling the horse was comfortable.
Hong Kong Hall wins for Hong Kong Hughie! 👌
The improving Charm Spirit gelding makes all to land his second win from his last four starts for David Hall… @HugeBowman | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/TLCjj0F8hM
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) January 7, 2024
Stewards advised Chadwick that his ride in the early stages lacked initiative in that he did not make any decisive decision to endeavour to race closer to the rail. To the horse’s credit, he tried hard in the straight and wasn’t beaten far.
In the same race, Sky Heart stood out as an obvious eye-catcher on debut. Initially standing the lead speed by 5.25 lengths at the 400m mark, he managed to reduce that margin to just a half-length at the wire. It was the best run against the race shape (again, obvious), especially considering he was also a victim of an ill-judged ride. Can we just say, what is it about horses in these colours and flashing light runs? (Think Sky Field and Sky Darci on their debut runs).
Race 9 – Class 3 – 1400m
The Heir – 4th – 1.25L
Similar to the winner of this race, Blue Marlin, who secured a low draw following three consecutive runs from wide barriers, The Heir is also in dire need of a better draw. Since debuting from barrier 6 over 1200m in mid-November, his subsequent starts have been from barriers 10, 11, and 10 again. Credit to the connections, as they attempted to take luck out of the equation by positioning him closer on Sunday.
Blue Marlin gets there! @HarryBentley_ fires in a Sunday double at Sha Tin… ✌️ #HKracing pic.twitter.com/8MFvXrkWQQ
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) January 7, 2024
However, due to the wide draw, he ended up posted wide but with cover. While not the worst trip, connections will eagerly anticipate the day he secures a low draw, enjoys a more smothered up trip, and can unleash the turn-of-foot he has demonstrated.
