25/04/2010  Shatin  Race 2

BIG CHIEF was withdrawn on 23.4.10 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore foot) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter GO FAY FAY (G Cheyne). Before being allowed to race again, BIG CHIEF will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. For some distance approaching and passing the 800 Metres, TURF MAGIC was steadied away from the heels of CHARITABLE STAR. Then passing the 700 Metres, TURF MAGIC was checked away from the heels of CHARITABLE STAR. Near the 650 Metres, KING ACRYLIC was checked when crowded for room inside CHARITABLE STAR which shifted in when awkwardly placed close to the heels of SOU MA TAM. EASY WINNER, which was following KING ACRYLIC, was checked in consequence. Near the 500 Metres, GO FAY FAY was steadied away from the heels of JUN QI. Rounding the Home Turn, KING ACRYLIC got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of LET ME FIGHT. Passing the 150 Metres, EASY WINNER raced in restricted room inside HUSSLER. Shortly after passing the winning post, CHEERFUL CITY, which had been eased out of the race, collapsed. When questioned regarding his riding of CHEER, B Prebble stated that he had not been given any firm instructions, however, it was anticipated that the horse, which was successful overseas at a distance of one mile, would race back in the field. He said CHEER began awkwardly and was steadied away from the heels of GREAT RENOWN. He said he shifted CHEER over onto the fence, however, passing the 850 Metres CHEER was reluctant to hold its position inside GREAT RENOWN, shifted out and was checked away from the heels of that horse. He said he balanced CHEER after this and passing the 700 Metres shifted away from the fence to improve his position between GREAT RENOWN and GO FAY FAY. He said in the early part of the Straight he followed ACHILLES OF TROY with a view to shifting to the outside of that horse into clear running. He added however he was not able to secure clear running to the outside of ACHILLES OF TROY, therefore he elected to improve his position to the inside of that horse. He stated for this reason he was not able to fully test CHEER in the early part of the Straight. He said however that approaching the 300 Metres he commenced to fully test CHEER and the horse started to improve into the race. He said near the 200 Metres he shifted to the inside of CHARITABLE STAR which was weakening and CHEER then finished off the race strongly. B Prebble was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, his riding, particularly in the early part of the Straight, had come under notice. He was further advised to ensure he rides his mounts in such a manner as to leave no room for query. JUN QI and LET ME FIGHT were sent for sampling.