27/02/2011  Shatin  Race 5

After being loaded, VIVA FREEDOM became fractious. Before being allowed to race again, VIVA FREEDOM will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. After beginning from a wide barrier, BEAUTIFUL CHOICE travelled wide and without cover throughout the race and in the Straight gave ground. KINGSTON SPARTACUS also travelled wide and without cover throughout the race. KING OF FISH II began awkwardly and shortly after the start shifted out and bumped SUPER BOBO. Shortly after entering the Straight, OPEN SESAME was steadied when disappointed for running between ROMANCING TAMAR and MASTER KEY which shifted out. MASTER KEY was badly held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight and then passing the 300 Metres was checked away from the heels of KINGSTON SPARTACUS when it continued to be held up. MASTER KEY was then not able to obtain clear running until near the 200 Metres. ROMANCING TAMAR had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of P Strydom (ROMANCING TAMAR) over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he was nonetheless severely reprimanded for failing to ride the horse out to the end of the race as obligated. When questioned, G Cheyne stated that he had been instructed to ride MASTER KEY quietly in the early stages and it was felt that the horse would be positioned behind midfield. He said at its most recent start when ridden in a more forward position from a favourable barrier, the connections of MASTER KEY were somewhat disappointed after the horse was held up in the early part of the Straight. He said for this reason shortly after the start he shifted MASTER KEY across behind runners and was attempting to obtain a position outside SURROUNDED and inside ZEZAO. He said as he was attempting to obtain this position, MACASSAR improved its position to his inside when being ridden along and due to MASTER KEY’s previous history of proving very difficult to settle, he was reluctant to ride it along to establish his position outside SURROUNDED. He added for this reason, combined with the riding instructions he had been given on MASTER KEY, he elected to allow MACASSAR to improve its position and then shifted MASTER KEY across behind that horse and onto the fence behind SURROUNDED near the 1200 Metres. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of KING OF FISH II, B Prebble stated that after obtaining a good position throughout the race, KING OF FISH II was travelling strongly rounding the Home Bend. He said no sooner had he shifted KING OF FISH II out from behind GOLD RUSH to improve its position, the horse came off the bridle and despite being ridden out in the Straight KING OF FISH II was most disappointing in the manner in which it failed to respond to his riding and the manner in which it weakened out of the race over the final 200 Metres. Trainer K L Man stated that KING OF FISH II had pleased him in its work since its most recent run and a forward showing was anticipated today. He said he was not able to offer any explanation for the horse’s performance other than it was attempting the 1600 Metres for the first time today. He added that following KING OF FISH II’s disappointing performance, he would give consideration to either dropping the horse back in distance or trying it on another surface. A veterinary inspection of KING OF FISH II after the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of VIVA FREEDOM, Y T Cheng stated that after enjoying a good run throughout the race, he shifted VIVA FREEDOM into clear running shortly after entering the Straight, however, when placed under pressure VIVA FREEDOM finished off the race only one-paced and was most disappointing. Trainer L Ho stated that following VIVA FREEDOM having to be withdrawn from its intended race start on 5 February 2011 due to it having a sore left front capped elbow, the horse had pleased him in its work and a forward showing was expected today. He said, in his opinion, VIVA FREEDOM’s run was disappointing and at this time he was not able to offer any explanation for the horse’s performance. A veterinary inspection of VIVA FREEDOM after the race did not show any significant findings. VIVA FREEDOM, OPEN SESAME and ROCKET POWER were sent for sampling.