04/10/2009  Shatin  Race 6

On entering the track, J Lloyd was dislodged from TRUE INTELLIGENCE. J Lloyd quickly remounted and then proceeded to the barriers without further incident. Shortly after entering the Straight, WELL NOTED was steadied away from the heels of SPEEDY. MUTUAL FRIENDSHIP was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight and near the 200 Metres was shifted to the outside of TRULLI into clear running. Near the 300 Metres, SUPER GENERAL, which was inclined to hang in, was checked away from the heels of BROTHERS IN ARMS which was giving ground. Near the 50 Metres, TRUE INTELLIGENCE got its head on the side and shifted out. Throughout the race, BROTHERS IN ARMS travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, D Whyte said that MACHO EXPRESSO attempted to jump too quickly when the gates opened, appeared to overreach and strike itself and as a consequence knuckled over badly and almost fell. He said as a result of this he became badly unbalanced in the saddle. He said a short distance after the start, he was able to regain his balance on MACHO EXPRESSO, however, the horse did not feel right in its action in the early stages and was reluctant to stretch out. He said he allowed MACHO EXPRESSO to tack onto the rear of the field, however, he remained quite concerned with the horse’s action until rounding the 800 Metre turn. He said at this stage MACHO EXPRESSO’s stride improved somewhat, however, he had already lost touch with the field. Before being allowed to race again, MACHO EXPRESSO will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of BROTHERS IN ARMS and MACHO EXPRESSO after the race did not show any significant findings. MUTUAL FRIENDSHIP and TRUE INTELLIGENCE were sent for sampling. Trainer D E Ferraris reported that on return to the stable, SUPREMACY was found to have bled from both nostrils.