28/03/2010  Shatin  Race 4

On arrival at the barriers, the tongue tie carried by BAYVIEW GREYSLEW was refitted. CLOVIS began awkwardly. WINNING STRATEGY was slow to begin. COVER BOY was slow to begin and then shortly after the start was crowded for room between FAIRWOOD CROWN and SURER FAMILY which shifted out. After this, COVER BOY was ridden along, however, failed to muster speed and consequently raced back in the field. From the outside barrier, SPEED RACER was taken across behind runners shortly after the start and in the middle stages hung out. Passing the 700 Metres, COVER BOY got its head on the side and shifted out. At the entrance to the Straight, COVER BOY, which was held up for clear running, was switched to the inside of BAYVIEW GREYSLEW to improve. COVER BOY was then held up for clear running until near the 150 Metres. Near the 300 Metres, FAIRWOOD CROWN, which was held up for clear running, was steadied and shifted out when disappointed for running between AMERICAN GLORY and ACCELERATOR which shifted in slightly. Also near the 300 Metres, CLOVIS was steadied when disappointed for running inside CHINESE COURSER. CLOVIS then had difficulty obtaining clear running for the remainder of the race and consequently was not fully tested. BAYVIEW GREYSLEW was held up for clear running until near the 200 Metres. For the majority of the race, MULTI-WIN SPIRIT travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. The Stewards spoke to W M Lai, the rider of KING OF TURF, regarding the conduct he displayed in his celebratory gesture after passing the winning post. W M Lai was advised that, in the opinion of the Stewards, his actions were inappropriate in the circumstances. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of AMERICAN GLORY, D Whyte stated that he was unable to offer any explanation for the horse’s performance and as far out as the 800 Metres it was under pressure to maintain its position. A veterinary inspection of AMERICAN GLORY after the race did not show any significant findings. AMERICAN GLORY, KING OF TURF and METRO RIDER were sent for sampling.