18/10/2015  Shatin  Race 10

SAVVY NATURE was withdrawn on 17.10.15 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left hind with wound). Before being allowed to race again, SAVVY NATURE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Shortly after the start, SELKIRK STAR was steadied when crowded for room inside TOP ACT (R Fourie) which shifted in when not properly clear. R Fourie was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances. Approaching the 1600 Metres, BULLISH BOY momentarily raced tight inside TOP ACT. After the 1400 Metres, RENAISSANCE ART proved difficult to settle and was checked away from the heels of ANTICIPATION. After the 600 Metres, SUPREME PROFIT shifted out when being checked away from the heels of LITTLE DRAGON which was awkwardly placed close to the heels of DYNAMISM. ANTICIPATION, which was following, shifted out away from the heels of SUPREME PROFIT in consequence. ANTICIPATION then raced tight inside RENAISSANCE ART passing the 500 Metres. DYNAMISM was badly held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight and then passing the 200 Metres was awkwardly placed inside the heels of BULLISH BOY which shifted in under pressure. LITTLE DRAGON was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight and near the 200 Metres was directed to the inside of TOP ACT after being unable to obtain clear running between that horse and BUBBLE CHIC. Then passing the 200 Metres, LITTLE DRAGON was shifted back out away from the heels of TOP ACT when again disappointed for running between that horse and BULLISH BOY which was shifted out to alleviate tightening to DYNAMISM. Near the 100 Metres, SUPREME PROFIT was shifted out away from the heels of BUBBLE CHIC to obtain clear running. Then passing the 50 Metres, SUPREME PROFIT raced in restricted room between SELKIRK STAR and BUBBLE CHIC. When questioned, N Rawiller stated that in pre-race discussions with Mr J Size, the trainer of ENSURING, it was felt that today's race would not be run at a strong tempo and as ENSURING had drawn barrier 3, it was hoped that the horse would be able to take up a position in about midfield. He said he was asked not to be aggressive on ENSURING in the early stages and to have the horse racing where it was comfortable. He said after allowing ENSURING the opportunity to begin well, he was then surprised by the tempo of the race in the early and middle stages which was faster than had been anticipated, as such ENSURING got further back in the field than had been intended. He said he was able to obtain a trailing position behind RENAISSANCE ART along the Back Straight and he was happy following this horse given that he expected that horse to perform well in the race. He added he continued to track RENAISSANCE ART in the middle stages and followed that horse out prior to the 500 Metres when RENAISSANCE ART commenced to improve its position around ANTICIPATION. He said as RENAISSANCE ART and ANTICIPATION were both working into the race, he elected to continue to remain racing behind RENAISSANCE ART whilst that horse was taking him into the race. He added he shifted ENSURING out passing the 350 Metres, however, the horse did not quicken as it had at its most recent start. He said he placed the horse under full pressure thereafter, however, ENSURING did not finish off the race as he expected and over the final 200 Metres was disappointing in that it finished off the race only one-paced. N Rawiller was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, he should, wherever possible, ensure that his mounts obtain clear running at the earliest opportunity. A veterinary inspection of ENSURING immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned, Z Purton (RENAISSANCE ART) stated that his mount raced "flat" after racing further back in the field than had been intended due to the fast tempo of the race in the early stages. He said when placed under pressure in the Straight, RENAISSANCE ART did not finish off its race. A veterinary inspection of RENAISSANCE ART immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. ENSURING, BUBBLE CHIC and ANTICIPATION were sent for sampling.