26/04/2015  Shatin  Race 4

HARD BALL GET was withdrawn on 24.4.15 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter CHEVALIER STAR (T Berry). Before being allowed to race again, HARD BALL GET will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. In the Parade Ring, DIAMOND MYSTERIOUS shifted its left hind plate, resulting in that plate having to be readjusted. DIAMOND MYSTERIOUS was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said the horse was suitable to race. CHEVALIER STAR began only fairly. TOP BONUS shifted in at the start and bumped THORS BOLT. THORS BOLT was subsequently shifted across behind runners in the early stages. JOLLY JOLLY began awkwardly. Shortly after the start, DIAMOND MASTER shifted in and bumped LUCKY PROFIT. After travelling a short distance, JOLLY JOLLY and DIAMOND MYSTERIOUS momentarily raced in restricted room inside AMBITIOUS SPEEDY which shifted in before being directed out to relieve the tightening. Near the 550 Metres, THORS BOLT got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of DIAMOND MASTER which was awkwardly placed close to the heels of YO-YO DA. LUCKY PROFIT lost its left hind plate at the 450 Metres. Approaching the 300 Metres, DIAMOND MYSTERIOUS and UNBEATABLE GUTS raced tight. Passing the 200 Metres, UNBEATABLE GUTS was awkwardly placed outside the heels of DIAMOND MYSTERIOUS due to both horses shifting ground. Near the 150 Metres, GENUINE CHAMPION was shifted out away from the heels of UNBEATABLE GUTS. Over the concluding stages, GENUINE CHAMPION raced tight between AMBITIOUS SPEEDY and UNBEATABLE GUTS (T H So) which shifted out. T H So was advised to exercise more care. Consequently, GENUINE CHAMPION was not able to be ridden out over the concluding stages. Also over the concluding stages, CHEVALIER STAR was unable to obtain clear running and consequently was not able to be fully tested. Throughout the race, TOP BONUS travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. After the race, J Moreira (TOP BONUS) reported that his mount had made an abnormal breathing noise. A veterinary inspection of TOP BONUS immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SENSATION, O Peslier stated that as the start was effected his mount lifted its front feet off the ground and then was slow to begin. He said after this he rode SENSATION along in an attempt to obtain a position behind THORS BOLT. He said making the turn near the 800 Metres SENSATION became unbalanced and was inclined to shift out slightly. He said at no stage of the race did SENSATION travel well and he was always required to ride his mount along in an endeavour to have it maintain its positon. He said when placed under heavy pressure in the early part of the Straight SENSATION did not quicken and then was most disappointing in its failure to finish off the race. He added that after the race SENSATION appeared to be stiff in its action. A veterinary inspection of SENSATION immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, SENSATION will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of YO-YO DA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SENSATION, DIAMOND MYSTERIOUS and JOLLY JOLLY were sent for sampling.