07/10/2018  Shatin  Race 10

TIME TO CELEBRATE bounded in the air as the start was effected and began awkwardly. WINNING FAITH was slow to begin. From wide barriers, SUPER TURBO and WARM THE VOICE were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the 1200 Metres, SEVEN HEAVENS was checked when tightened for room between CITRON SPIRIT and TIME TO CELEBRATE which shifted out away from HARMONY HERO. CITRON SPIRIT travelled wide and without cover until after passing the 800 Metres. Throughout the race, BOLD STITCH travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. A veterinary inspection of BOLD STITCH immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucus in the horse’s trachea. When questioned, Z Purton (EASY GO EASY WIN) stated that, from barrier 11, he was asked to ride the horse conservatively and endeavour to find cover and it was hoped that this would be somewhere near midfield. He said however that with the slow early tempo and the field being bunched, he was unable to obtain cover and was obliged to come further back and settle at the tail of the field in order to race with cover as instructed. He said for some distance after the 1200 Metres EASY GO EASY WIN commenced to prove difficult to settle and got its head up before eventually travelling more comfortably. He added rounding the Home Turn he felt the best option was to endeavour to obtain running through the field as he would have had to shift extremely wide were he come to the outside. He said however EASY GO EASY WIN was unable to obtain clear running until passing the 200 Metres at which stage the horse then closed off the race satisfactorily. When questioned, C Schofield stated that in accordance with his instructions he did not push HARMONY HERO along in the early stages as it was hoped that he could take up a handy or midfield position but wherever the horse was travelling comfortably. He said due to the slow tempo throughout the early and middle stages, HARMONY HERO was not suited when the race developed into a sprint home and could only finish off the race one-paced in the Straight. He said however he felt HARMONY HERO was somewhat disappointing in its failure to close off better than it did. A veterinary inspection of HARMONY HERO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. EASY GO EASY WIN, MORETHANLUCKY and COBY BOY were sent for sampling.