05/02/2012  Shatin  Race 10

DOMINANT, which was leaning on the inside of its barrier stall, began very awkwardly and for a short distance after the start raced tight between FINEZZA and DAN EXCEL, both of which shifted ground. CARTHAGE and TRAVEL BRAND were slow to begin. After the 1400 Metres, TURF EXPRESS was shifted out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of FLYING SUPREME. After this, TURF EXPRESS travelled wide and without cover until near the 800 Metres. After TURF EXPRESS shifted in, DAN EXCEL was left racing wide and without cover. For some distance approaching and passing the 1200 Metres, DOMINANT was awkwardly placed close to the heels of FLYING SUPREME. Near the 1100 Metres, FINEZZA got its head up and shifted out away from the heels of DAN EXCEL when proving difficult to settle. When FINEZZA shifted out, CARTHAGE was hampered. Near the 850 Metres, DOMINANT, which continued to be awkwardly placed close to the heels of FLYING SUPREME, was steadied after momentarily improving to the inside of that horse’s heels where there was insufficient room. Also near the 850 Metres, TRAVEL BRAND was steadied away from the heels of CHEERS JOY. For some distance approaching the 300 Metres, THE UNTOUCHABLELAD was held up for clear running behind CHEERS JOY which was giving ground. Close to the finishing line, MARK UP was steadied away from the heels of CARTHAGE which got its head on the side and shifted in. Because of this, MARK UP was not able to be ridden out to the end of the race as it normally would be. When questioned, M Guyon stated that he had been instructed to ride AMITYSHIP positively in the early stages, from barrier 13, and to place the horse in 4th or 5th position if possible. He said after beginning awkwardly AMITYSHIP was beaten for speed in the early stages and rather than make too much use of the horse he elected to shift AMITYSHIP across in the hope of obtaining cover behind TURF EXPRESS. He said however that after the 1400 Metres he had to steady away from the heels of that horse when TURF EXPRESS shifted out. He added after this AMITYSHIP was left racing wide and without cover throughout the remainder of the race and in the Straight gave ground. A veterinary inspection of CHEERS JOY, DOMINANT and EURO SWIFTLY after the race did not show any significant findings. BERIO and FINEZZA were sent for sampling.