25/09/2011  Shatin  Race 4

FIRST CLASS was withdrawn on 24.9.11 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (fever) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter MAELSTROM (B Doyle). Before being allowed to race again, FIRST CLASS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. FRIENDS SUPPORT was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, SUPREME GENKI was crowded for room between LIONS’ FORTUNE and BLOSSOM DAILY which, after initially shifting in, was taken in slightly by DANEWIN TIGER. Despite being vigorously ridden along in the early stages, ALL THE WINNERS failed to muster speed and for the majority of the race travelled wide and without cover. ELUSIVE PRINCE was badly held up for clear running until the 200 Metres. Near the 100 Metres, ALL THE WINNERS was momentarily crowded for room between BLOSSOM DAILY and SUPREME GENKI which shifted in slightly. Throughout the race, WASABISABI travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of WINNER SMART, B Prebble stated that he had been riding the horse in its track work in the lead up to today’s race and, in his opinion, that work was only fair. He said at no stage of today’s race did WINNER SMART travel comfortably and despite being placed under pressure rounding the Home Turn did not finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of WINNER SMART after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that BLOSSOM DAILY had sustained a minor wound to the outside of the right hind cannon and that GOOD LOOKING WATCH had lost its right front plate. WINNER SMART, MAELSTROM and ELUSIVE PRINCE were sent for sampling.