16/06/2013  Shatin  Race 7

Shortly after the start, CROATIA was crowded for room between PLENTIFUL and TURIN PEARL. From wide barriers, both LOVING STAR and REWARDING HERO were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Making the first turn after the 900 Metres, LUCKY DAN got its head on the side and shifted out towards the heels of TURIN PEARL. At the same stage, CROATIA got its head on the side and hung out. After the 500 Metres, LUCKY DAN raced tight inside TURIN PEARL. LUCKY DAN was held up for clear running for a short distance after the 400 Metres. PLENTIFUL was unable to obtain clear running until passing the 300 Metres at which time the horse was shifted to the outside of REWARDING HERO. Then for the remainder of the race, PLENTIFUL was inclined to lay in. TURIN PEARL was badly held up and unable to obtain clear running until near the 200 Metres. Throughout the race, DEMOKLES travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of HO IN ONE, Z Purton stated that as HO IN ONE had performed well of late when ridden in a forward position, he was asked to ride the horse positively in the early stages and again obtain a forward position. He said unlike its two most recent starts when the horse travelled strongly in the early stages, he had to make considerable use of HO IN ONE today to obtain a forward position. He said when being ridden along, HO IN ONE’s action did not feel as comfortable as it did at previous starts and the horse raced with its head on the side in the early stages. He said HO IN ONE changed leading leg after the 1100 Metres and after this travelled more comfortably. He said however that approaching the 500 Metres HO IN ONE came off the bridle and did not feel at all comfortable in its action. He added he rode the horse along in the early part of the Straight, however, HO IN ONE did not stretch out and gave ground and as he was concerned for the horse’s welfare, he eased it down over the final 200 Metres. He said when returning to the unplaced saddling area, HO IN ONE initially trotted back satisfactorily, however, on entering the unplaced saddling area stumbled on one occasion. A veterinary inspection of HO IN ONE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of HO IN ONE, a favourite for today’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, HO IN ONE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. HO IN ONE, REWARDING HERO and PLENTIFUL were sent for sampling.