06/04/2014  Shatin  Race 5

Shortly after the start, DRAGON began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped THOR THE GREATEST. After this, DRAGON was shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. From the outside barrier, HOW SPEEDY was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Shortly after the start, SPURS ON was steadied away from the heels of APOLLO CAVALIER which shifted in. CAPITAL K lost its left front plate passing the 1200 Metres. Near the 1100 Metres, GOLDEN OSMANTHUS was momentarily steadied away from the heels of EVERYONE’S FORTUNE which shifted in when racing greenly and racing tight inside COUNTRY CHARM. Near the 800 Metres, despite being ridden along, EVERYONE’S FORTUNE lost ground when reluctant to maintain its position between runners. THOR THE GREATEST got its head on the side and hung out making the Home Turn. ALL THE WINNERS travelled wide and without cover throughout the race. When questioned, B Prebble (CAPITAL K) stated that his mound did not stretch out at any stage of the race and, in his opinion, appeared not to cope with the track conditions. He said he had hoped to have CAPITAL K slightly more forward from the inside barrier, however, CAPITAL K was reluctant to hold its position in the early stages and again when awkwardly placed inside EVERYONE’S FORTUNE making the turn after the 900 Metres. He added, despite being placed under pressure well before the Home Turn, CAPITAL K did not respond to his riding and was disappointing which he attributed to it not being comfortable on the surface. A veterinary inspection of CAPITAL K immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of GOLDEN OSMANTHUS, D Whyte stated that he had to ride his mount along in the early stages to have it travel comfortably and then had to ride it aggressively after the 1000 Metres to maintain its position inside EVERYONE’S FORTUNE. He said it was only after the 800 Metres that GOLDEN OSMANTHUS commenced to travel more comfortably, however, the horse again came off the bridle after the 500 Metres. He said whilst GOLDEN OSMANTHUS was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight, nonetheless the horse was disappointing in that it did not quicken at any stage in the Straight. He added GOLDEN OSMANTHUS had been similarly held up for clear running at its last start when successful, but on that occasion the horse was able to show a turn of foot. He said whilst GOLDEN OSMANTHUS was able to be successful at its last start over 1400 Metres, the horse was fresh on that occasion. He said, in his opinion, GOLDEN OSMANTHUS would appreciate a step-up in distance at its future starts so as to allow it to travel more comfortably in the run and accordingly he recommended to the connections that they give consideration to this. A veterinary inspection of GOLDEN OSMANTHUS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GOLDEN OSMANTHUS, REBORN TO WIN and HOW SPEEDY were sent for sampling. <7/4/2014 Additional Veterinary Report>The Clinical Veterinary Surgeon reported that COUNTRY CHARM was lame in its left front leg on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, COUNTRY CHARM will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.