12/01/2013  Shatin  Race 2

WELL FIT shifted out at the start, resulting in SOLAR UP being crowded for room inside the hindquarters of JADE PIPPO which became unbalanced. From a wide barrier, MEDIC KINGDOM was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. In the early and middle stages, SOLAR UP got its head on the side and hung out. After the 500 Metres, WELL FIT also got its head on the side and hung out. Passing the 100 Metres, PURE VICTORY was shifted out away from the heels of GOOD SMILE to obtain clear running. Over the concluding stages, DARPANA was awkwardly placed between GOOD SMILE and CALL ME ACHIEVER and because of this was not able to be properly tested. Close to the finishing line, T H So (SOLAR UP) dropped his whip. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of TIME WINNER, a favourite for today’s race, Z Purton stated that, from the outside barrier, he had to make considerable use of TIMER WINNER to take up a forward position as instructed. He said this was in contrast to its previous start in Hong Kong when the horse was able to race in a forward position without having to be pressured to do so. He said TIME WINNER travelled wide and without cover until after the 600 Metres at which point he was able to shift in behind GOOD SMILE. He said he shifted TIME WINNER out into clear running at the entrance to the Straight, however, the horse quickly came under pressure and then was disappointing in the manner in which it weakened out of the race in the Straight. He said that he had ridden the horse in a piece of work in the lead up to today’s race and, in his opinion, that work was only fair. He added that, in his opinion, TIME WINNER is immature and will benefit from further time and racing. A veterinary inspection of TIME WINNER including an endoscopic examination after the race showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea and also found it to have sustained a wound to the right hind pastern. Before being allowed to race again, TIME WINNER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, T Queally stated that WELL FIT, which was having its first start on the All Weather Track today, was always off the bridle and making the turn after the 700 Metres got its head on the side and hung out. A veterinary inspection of WELL FIT after the race revealed the horse to have an epiglottic entrapment. TIME WINNER, JADE PIPPO and TARREGA were sent for sampling.