27/06/2010  Shatin  Race 4

On arrival at the Start, Jockey M Du Plessis expressed concerns with the action of SOLITAIRE. SOLITAIRE was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion the horse was lame in the right front leg. Acting on this advice, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of SOLITAIRE. Before being allowed to race again, SOLITAIRE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. FULL PACK was slow to begin. Making the first turn, SMART CODE and SEXY BABY raced tight inside NIGHT HUNTER III which itself was awkwardly placed inside the heels of MARS EXPRESS which was taken in slightly by LEAD THE PROSPECTS. STORM’S DESTINY, which was following, was steadied in consequence. Near the 1200 Metres, SEXY BABY got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of DASH. Approaching the 800 Metres, STORM’S DESTINY shifted out and bumped MARS EXPRESS which in turn shifted out and bumped FULL PACK. Near the 700 Metres, SEXY BABY got its head on the side and shifted in, resulting in STORM’S DESTINY being crowded for room. Also near the 700 Metres, LEAD THE PROSPECTS shifted in and bumped the hindquarters of DASH. Throughout the race, LEAD THE PROSPECTS, SOUND OF SILENCE and MASTER TOWER all travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the improved performance of SPEEDY TYCOON, Trainer C W Chang stated that the horse was having only its second race start on the All Weather surface today. He said at its only other start on that surface the horse had raced over 1200 Metres, however, he believes that SPEEDY TYCOON is better suited over distances of today’s race. He said that at its most recent starts SPEEDY TYCOON had been ridden back in the field due to having drawn wide barriers. He said from barrier 2 today and with the blinkers reapplied, SPEEDY TYCOON was able to take up a more forward position. He also pointed out that the quality of toady’s field was not strong in his view. He added whilst he did not believe SPEEDY TYCOON to be a winning chance in today’s race, he did expect it to improve and he advised the owner that the horse had good place prospects. A veterinary inspection of SPEEDY after the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being permitted to race again, SPEEDY will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SEXY BABY, SPEEDY TYCOON and SMART CODE were sent for sampling.