05/02/2012  Shatin  Race 6

HORSESHOE FORTUNE began awkwardly. KING ON EARTH was slow to begin. ZEZAO and HIGH RETURN bumped at the start. After initially being ridden along in the early stages, JOHN DORY, when racing wide, was taken across behind runners approaching the 1200 Metres. Approaching the 1000 Metres, CHAMPION MOUNT was steadied away from the heels of MEGA CHAMPION which shifted in. Passing the 1000 Metres, KING ON EARTH got its head up and proved difficult to settle for some distance when awkwardly placed close to the heels of HORSESHOE FORTUNE. Then making the turn near the 850 Metres, KING ON EARTH, which was continuing to prove difficult to settle, shifted out away from the heels of HORSESHOE FORTUNE, resulting in EMPIRE CITY being hampered. Rounding the Home Turn, HIGH RETURN got its head on the side and hung out. Also rounding the Home Turn, GOOD SMILE got its head on the side and hung out, causing its rider, Apprentice T H So, to change his whip into his left hand. In the early part of the Straight, MEGA CHAMPION had difficulty shifting to the outside of the heels of GOOD SMILE which shifted out. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of THANKSGIVING, T Clark stated that although he was having his first race ride on the horse today, he noted that it had raced well at its last start when covering ground. He said today, from barrier 10, he was not able to obtain cover and was obliged to race in a three wide position. He said THANKSGIVING came on and off the bridle throughout the early and middle stages and then when placed under pressure shortly after entering the Straight commenced to give ground. He added at no time when placed under pressure did THANKSGIVING respond to his riding and the horse was disappointing in the manner in which it weakened out of the race in the Straight. He did say that THANKSGIVING is an inexperienced horse and is somewhat immature. A veterinary inspection of THANKSGIVING after the race did not show any significant findings. ZEZAO and CHAMPION MOUNT were sent for sampling.