04/11/2009  Shatin  Race 5

EXPLODING shifted out at the start, resulting in OCEAN TRANQUIL being hampered. When being taken across behind runners soon after the start, ENGINEERING WONDER got its head up on a number of occasions. Rounding the turn near the 500 Metres, EXPLODING got its head on the side and lay out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of MACHO EXPRESSO. Throughout the race, SOLDIER travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, D Beadman (KING OF HEARTS) stated that the intention had been to race behind the leaders if possible. He said it was anticipated that TRUE INTELLIGENCE, which was drawn to his immediate inside and MACHO EXPRESS, which was drawn to his outside, would go forward and he would be able to obtain a position behind those horses. He said after beginning awkwardly, TRUE INTELLIGENCE was hard ridden to take up a forward position, however, he was reluctant to ride KING OF HEARTS along in the early stages to go forward of that horse as KING OF HEARTS had proved quite strong in its races and at times had been difficult to settle. He added he therefore elected to steady his mount in the early stages and shift across behind runners which he was able to do. He said after obtaining a position behind OCEAN TRANQUIL, KING OF HEARTS proved difficult to settle and raced ungenerously for a short distance. He said prior to the 400 Metres he commenced to ride his mount along in an endeavour to obtain a position to the outside of OCEAN TRANQUIL, however, in the Straight that horse shifted out which resulted in him having to steady KING OF HEARTS and shift to that horse’s inside near the 200 Metres. He stated once he obtained clear running to the inside of OCEAN TRANQUIL, KING OF HEARTS finished off the race strongly. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of TRUE INTELLIGENCE, G Cheyne stated that it had been intended to race in a forward position. He said TRUE INTELLIGENCE began very awkwardly and as a result lost ground. He said he rode TRUE INTELLIGENCE along vigorously in the early stages to make up lost ground, however, it soon became apparent to him that he would not be able to race in a forward position as had been intended. He said he therefore elected to shift across behind WINNER SMART and obtain cover behind that horse near the 850 Metres. He added TRUE INTELLIGENCE made the first turn awkwardly and lay out slightly which resulted in it losing cover behind WINNER SMART. He said TRUE INTELLIGENCE continued to race awkwardly around the turn and when placed under pressure in the Straight did not respond to his riding as he had hoped. He stated, in his opinion, TRUE INTELLIGENCE was not suited by racing behind runners and wide on the track. A veterinary inspection of TRUE INTELLIGENCE after the race did not show any significant findings. TRUE INTELLIGENCE, CENTURY SUPER STAR and WINNER SMART were sent for sampling.