11/12/2011  Shatin  Race 1

LET’S GOAL shifted out abruptly at the start and made heavy contact with ENABLING. BOUNCER was slow to begin. From wide barriers, NORTH HILL and SURE CHAMP were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. When being steadied passing the 1500 Metres to obtain cover, JOLLY FINE got its head up and proved difficult to settle. For some distance after the 1000 Metres, COSTA DEL SOL raced tight inside JOLLY FINE which, after being awkwardly placed close to the heels of TAKEANOTHERCHANCE, then improved to be racing to the inside of the heels of that horse where there was tight running. Approaching the 600 Metres, TAKEANOTHERCHANCE shifted out marginally when racing close to the heels of PUBLIC FIGURE. JOLLY FINE, which was following TAKEANOTHERCHANCE and which was racing keenly, momentarily improved its position to the inside of the heels of that horse, resulting in COSTA DEL SOL racing tight to the inside of JOLLY FINE. A short distance after this, JOLLY FINE was steadied away from the heels of TAKEANOTHERCHANCE. Near the 350 Metres, ENABLING was steadied away from the heels of FINEZZA (O Doleuze) which shifted in when not quite clear. O Doleuze was reprimanded. ATHENIUM had difficulty obtaining clear running until after the 200 Metres. When questioned as to why he allowed FINEZZA to improve its position around LET’S GOAL after the 600 Metres, M Chadwick stated that he gave consideration to shifting to the outside of ENABLING at this point of the race to prevent FINEZZA from being able to improve around LET’S GOAL, however, he felt that as LET’S GOAL was racing in Class 3, the horse would not be able to sustain a 600 Metre run. He said for this reason he elected to maintain LET’S GOAL’s position behind ENABLING with the view to obtaining a position either on the back of FINEZZA at the entrance to the Straight or to the inside of ENABLING. He said rounding the Home Turn ENABLING shifted out to improve around JOLLY FINE, therefore he elected to continue to improve to the inside of that horse. He added for some distance in the early part of the Straight LET’S GOAL raced in restricted room between ATHENIUM and ENABLING, however, he was able to obtain clear running after leaving the 300 Metres. M Chadwick was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, he should, wherever circumstances permit, avail himself of opportunities to improve into the race. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that JOLLY FINE had bled from both nostrils. A veterinary inspection of PUBLIC FIGURE after the race did not show any significant findings. FINEZZA and LET’S GOAL were sent for sampling.