04/05/2008  Shatin  Race 2

BROTHERS IN ARMS began awkwardly. Shortly after the start, BROTHERS IN ARMS and OWNERS LAD were checked when crowded for room between SUPREME COMMANDER and TAKE IT EASY which began awkwardly and shifted in. When TAKE IT EASY shifted in, the left shoulder of BROTHERS IN ARMS bumped TAKE IT EASY on the hindquarters, causing that horse to become badly unbalanced and shift in further which contributed significantly to the severity of the crowding. In the early stages, NEW ASIA FORWARD and DRAGON BOY raced tight inside CHOICE AND CHANCE which on jumping shifted in. At the 1100 Metres, OWNERS LAD lost ground when hampered as a result of BROTHERS IN ARMS (G Boss) shifting in. G Boss was told to exercise greater care. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, NEW ASIA FORWARD was bumped by BROTHERS IN ARMS which got its head on the side and shifted in. Also making the turn at the 800 Metres, SUPREME COMMANDER hung out. After the 600 Metres, DRAGON BOY was steadied away from the heels of ELEPHANT STAR which at this time lost ground while awkwardly placed inside the heels of RARE TREASURE. Near the 300 Metres, NEW ASIA FORWARD, which was having some difficulty obtaining clear running, was shifted to the outside of BROTHERS IN ARMS. In the Straight, RARE TREASURE hung in. When questioned, C K Tong (SIXTY SECONDS) explained the intention had been to have the horse ridden in about a midfield position and travel where it was comfortable. He said SIXTY SECONDS began well, he did not ride along in the early stages in an endeavour to follow his riding instructions, however, after the 1000 Metres SIXTY SECONDS which was travelling keenly was going to be left racing wide and without cover. He said he therefore approaching the 800 Metres elected to further steady his mount and take it back to a position with cover, however, further back than anticipated. He said in the Straight SIXTY SECONDS closed the race off only fairly. He said when racing over further than the 1200 Metres of today’s race, SIXTY SECONDS may travel in a more prominent position. OWNERS LAD and NEW ASIA FORWARD were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of OWNERS LAD and NEW ASIA FORWARD after the race did not show any significant findings. RARE TREASURE and CRYSTAL were sent for sampling.