07/06/2009  Shatin  Race 6

On jumping, GOOD TIME CHARLIE and PACIFIC ALLIANCE bumped. After this, despite being ridden along GOOD TIME CHARLIE failed to muster speed. CARRY GOOD NEWS was slow into stride. Shortly after the start, CARRY GOOD NEWS was carried out away from the heels of DECAGONAL which was hampered and carried in by CONNOISSEUR’S LOVE which in turn was hampered when crowded for room inside GOLD CITY which was carried in by SUPER FANTASY. Near the 1200 Metres, SUPER, which was racing keenly, got its head up and shifted out when being steadied away from the heels of SMART CODE. Near the 1000 Metres, KEEP ME, which was proving difficult to settle, got its head up and shifted out when being steadied away from the heels of GOLD CITY. At the 600 Metres, SUPER FANTASY broke down and was retired from the race. Near the 500 Metres, WAIT FOR ME was checked to avoid the heels of SUPER FANTASY which was being eased down. Shortly after straightening, SMART CODE, which had its head on the side and was hanging in, became unbalanced after bumping with WAIT FOR ME which was shifted out to obtain clear running. When under pressure approaching the 200 Metres, SUPER hung out and was permitted to drift wider. At the 150 Metres, DECAGONAL was brushed by CONNOISSEUR’S LOVE which shifted in. After the 50 Metres, DECAGONAL and CONNOISSEUR’S LOVE bumped due to both horses shifting ground. Approaching the winning post, SUPERNOVA, which was closing the race off strongly, was steadied away from the heels of CONNOISSEUR’S LOVE. Because of this, SUPERNOVA was not ridden out fully right to the end of the race. When questioned regarding the improved performance of the winner, CONNOISSEUR’S LOVE, Trainer A Schutz said in his opinion the horse had not been able to finish its recent races off after too much use was made of the horse in the early stages to obtain the lead. He said today he instructed K T Yeung to go forward, obtain the lead if he were able to do so without making too much use of CONNOISSEUR’S LOVE or alternatively if the tempo of the race was solid, it would be acceptable for him to travel in a prominent position with cover. He said in his opinion CONNOISSEUR’S LOVE today because of the tempo of the race and after receiving some crowding at the start appreciated travelling with cover and as a consequence was able to close the race off. GOOD TIME CHARLIE was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of GOOD TIME CHARLIE after the race did not show any significant findings. GOLD CITY, CONNOISSEUR’S LOVE and DECAGONAL were sent for sampling. <8/6/2009 Additional Veterinary Report > The Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison reported this morning that EXPEDITIOUS was lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, EXPEDITIOUS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.