30/01/2011  Shatin  Race 3

WINNER SMART was slow to begin. In the early stages, SUPER HORSE proved difficult to settle. Passing the 1300 Metres, INTELLIGENT RAIN was steadied away from the heels of SAMMY`S FALCON which was taken in by ALWAYS WELL (W C Marwing) which shifted in when not quite clear. W C Marwing was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in future. DUKE`S VICTORY, which was following INTELLIGENT RAIN, was steadied in consequence. For some distance after the 1000 Metres, BIG CHIEF proved difficult to settle. After the 900 Metres, SAMMY`S FALCON was left racing wide and without cover. CONFUCIUS CLASSIC was unable to obtain clear running until near the 200 Metres. Approaching the 200 Metres, BIG CHIEF was awkwardly placed close to the heels of MIGHTY FEELING. When questioned, H W Lai (VINTAGE HUSSLER) stated that when SUPER TEAM improved around VINTAGE HUSSLER passing the 700 Metres, he elected to steady VINTAGE HUSSLER with a view to allowing SUPER TEAM to shift to the fence which would allow VINTAGE HUSSLER the opportunity to shift to that horse`s outside. He said however that after allowing SUPER TEAM the opportunity to shift in, that horse remained racing one horse off the fence rather than shifting over to race on the rails and this resulted in VINTAGE HUSSLER being steadied away from the heels of SUPER TEAM for some distance rounding the Home Turn when LUCKY BOY improved to be racing to the inside of VINTAGE HUSSLER. He added that for some distance after entering the Straight VINTAGE HUSSLER raced in restricted room between CONFUCIUS CLASSIC and SUPER TEAM which shifted in slightly when commencing to give ground. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of MIGHTY FEELING, J Lloyd stated that he had been instructed to have the horse race in a position in advance of midfield with cover from barrier 9 if possible. He said after beginning well, he commenced to shift across on MIGHTY FEELING, however, SAMMY`S FALCON was racing to his inside and rather than remain racing three wide and without cover, he elected to allow MIGHTY FEELING to obtain a position in advance of SAMMY`S FALCON one horse off the fence with cover behind SUPER TEAM He said although this resulted in MIGHTY FEELING racing slightly more forward than had been intended, the horse travelled well and was not forced to cover unnecessary ground. He said passing the 600 Metres he observed VINTAGE HUSSLER being shifted out in an attempt to obtain a run outside SUPER TEAM and he rode MIGHTY FEELING along to ensure that the horse was not taken unnecessarily wide rounding the Home Turn. He added he placed MIGHTY FEELING under pressure shortly after entering into the Straight, however, the horse gave ground from the 200 Metres and was disappointing. A veterinary inspection of MIGHTY FEELING after the race did not show any significant findings. ALWAYS WELL and CARE FREE LUCK were sent for sampling.