24/03/2013  Shatin  Race 4

JUST GOOD, which was leaning on the outside of its stall, began awkwardly and lost ground. REALLY THE BEST was slow to begin. From wide barriers, BACKSTREET FIGHTER and CHANTILLY were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. For some distance approaching and passing the 1300 Metres, HUMONGUS raced tight inside EUPHEMISM which got its head on the side and shifted in. Then approaching the 1200 Metres, JUST GOOD was checked when crowded for room inside HUMONGUS which was taken in slightly by EUPHEMISM which shifted in to avoid the heels of BACKSTREET FIGHTER (Z Purton) which shifted in when not properly clear. Whilst the Stewards were of the opinion that EUPHEMISM had contributed to the incident by wanting to shift in of its own accord in the lead up to the incident, nonetheless Z Purton was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances. After the 1200 Metres, EUPHEMISM was checked away from the heels of BACKSTREET FIGHTER which was being steadied to obtain a position with cover behind MEGA POSH. After being shifted to the outside of the heels of MR SPEEDY near the 1100 Metres, BILLION go its head up on a number of occasions and raced ungenerously for a short distance. Rounding the Home Turn, KING ON EARTH and BACKSTREET FIGHTER bumped after racing tight. REALLY THE BEST was unable to obtain clear running in the early part of the Straight. For the majority of the race, MEGA POSH travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of EUPHEMISM immediately following the race revealed the horse to be a “roarer” which had previously been reported. REALLY THE BEST and MEGA POSH were sent for sampling.