26/09/2009  Shatin  Race 4

MY SMARTIE and ODE TO JOY were badly crowded for room at the start between CHEERFUL HAPPINESS which shifted out slightly and WINNING STRATEGY which was taken in by KING OF TURF which shifted in despite the efforts of its rider. Approaching the 800 Metres, ODE TO JOY was steadied away from the heels of WINNING STRATEGY (S K Sit) which shifted in. KING OF TURF and MONTY, which were following, were steadied in consequence. S K Sit was advised to ensure he is sufficiently clear before shifting ground in future. Then near the 700 Metres, KING OF TURF became badly unbalanced when being checked away from the heels of ODE TO JOY. In this incident, KING OF TURF shifted out and made contact with BAYVIEW GREYSLEW on a number of occasions. MONTY, which was following KING OF TURF, was checked away from the heels of that horse in consequence. Near the 300 Metres, MONTY was steadied away from the heels of MY SMARTIE. Throughout the race, LUCKY DRAGON travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, J Lloyd (WINNING AHEAD) stated that he was instructed from the outside barrier to ride the horse in a position about midfield or slightly worse with cover. He said accordingly he steadied WINNING AHEAD shortly after the start in an endeavour to follow his instructions, however, the field remained bunched in the early stages, as a result he was caught wide and for this reason he elected to steady WINNING AHEAD to the rear to ensure that he was able to obtain cover. When questioned, B Prebble stated that he had intended to ride MULTI-WIN SPIRIT in about midfield. He said when the pace was relatively slow in the early stages, MULTI-WIN SPIRIT was caught wide and for this reason he elected to allow MULTI-WIN SPIRIT to improve its position to race near the lead. A veterinary inspection of WINNING AHEAD after the race did not show any significant findings. CHEERFUL HAPPINESS, MATSUKAZE and MASTER TOWER were sent for sampling.