01/05/2011  Shatin  Race 5

As the start was effected, SABINA lifted its front feet off the ground and was slow to begin. After this, SABINA was taken across behind runners. CHANTILLY and GOLD RUSH bumped at the start. Near the 1700 Metres, CHANTILLY became unbalanced when being steadied to shift in behind GOLD RUSH. Near the 850 Metres, CHANTILLY was awkwardly placed inside ZEPHYRUS which got its head on the side and shifted in when being steadied away from the heels of GREAT LUCK. Near the 700 Metres, SABINA was checked away from the heels of BLEDISLOE. Also near the 700 Metres, MINGS’ HERO was left racing wide and without cover. Near the 500 Metres, BLEDISLOE was held up behind WATCH FIRST. Approaching and passing the 200 Metres, RAIN OF THUNDER had difficulty obtaining clear running between ZEPHYRUS and BLEDISLOE and then near the 100 Metres got its head on the side and lay in behind ZEPHYRUS. Near the 50 Metres, the whip of W C Marwing (BLEDISLOE) was knocked from his grasp by the whip of Apprentice K C Leung (DALKAN). Over the concluding stages, ROCKET POWER and HAPPY CHA CHA raced tight. In the Straight, DALKAN got its head on the side and lay out. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of THE ONLY KID, B Prebble stated that the horse travelled a little keenly in the early stages but then travelled well after obtaining a position behind WATCH FIRST, a horse he considered to be a strong chance in the race. He said approaching the 600 Metres he considered shifting to the outside of FULL STAR when MINGS’ HERO commenced to improve its position around THE ONLY KID, however, he felt that THE ONLY KID’s best interests would not be served by being left racing wide and without cover at this time of the race. He added rounding the Home Turn THE ONLY KID was bumped by BLEDISLOE and after this the horse came off the bridle and despite being vigorously ridden out did not respond to his riding and was most disappointing. A veterinary inspection of THE ONLY KID after the race did not show any significant findings. WATCH FIRST, DALKAN and HAPPY CHA CHA were sent for sampling.