30/11/2014  Shatin  Race 9

SUPREME WINE was slow to begin. SICHUAN VIGOUR began only fairly and shortly after the start was shifted across behind runners. After the 1100 Metres, ARPINATI was left racing wide and without cover. After the 1000 Metres, SUPREME WINE was checked away from the heels of VICTORY MASTER. Near the 950 Metres, SICHUAN VIGOUR commenced to prove difficult to settle and got its head up when being checked away from the heels of DEEP THINKER which was awkwardly placed behind FLYING ELITE. Making the turn at the 900 Metres, VICTORY MASTER was awkwardly placed behind NOBLE ALPHA which was travelling close to the heels of REGENCY KING. ARPINATI lost its left hind plate in the middle stages. Approaching the 500 Metres, SICHUAN VIGOUR was awkwardly placed close to the heels of DINING WORLD. After the 300 Metres, NONE OTHER shifted to the outside of TRUMP to obtain clear running after being awkwardly placed near the heels of that horse. Near the 50 Metres, FULL TALENT and ARPINATI raced tight. W M Lai (FLYING ELITE) was reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels all the way to the end of the race, where circumstances permit. When questioned, U Rispoli stated that, from barrier 14, it was agreed that he should ride ROMANTIC TOUCH positively in the early stages as it as felt that the race would not be run at a fast tempo. He said it was decided that if ROMANTIC TOUCH were to be ridden towards the rear of the field, as it had been in its only two race starts in Hong Kong, the horse may be left without cover. He said he was able to shift across to race in the lead without having to make too much use of ROMANTIC TOUCH in the early stages and after obtaining the lead, the horse then travelled comfortably. He said rounding the Home Turn ROMANTIC TOUCH lay out but in the Straight raced truly and after initially responding well to his riding ROMANTIC TOUCH’s run ended at about the 100 Metres. He added after the race he recommended to connections to consider dropping the horse back in distance as it was found wanting over the concluding stages. When questioned, B Prebble stated that as REGENCY KING was dropping back in distance, it was decided he should attempt to obtain a forward position, however, not to pressure the horse unduly in the early stages because were REGENCY KING not be able to lead, this may result in it over-racing. He said in the early stages REGENCY KING showed good early speed, however, runners drawn wide were ridden to obtain leading positions and he believed he would have had to ride REGENCY KING along to press for a forward position. He added the pace of the race in the early stage was good and REGENCY KING travelled well. He said he had hoped to remain racing in a position one horse off the fence to allow REGENCY KING the opportunity to shift out on straightening, however, he was taken to the rail by FULL VALUE in the run to the first turn. He said at this time the tempo of the race slowed and REGENCY KING proved somewhat difficult to settle, however, the horse was still able to finish off the race well in the Straight. FULL TALENT and ARPINATI were sent for sampling.