01/01/2010  Shatin  Race 11

GEM OF CHIU TON, which was fractious in the barriers, was slow to begin. Passing the 800 Metres, WATCH WHAT HAPPENS commenced to prove difficult to settle and got its head up when being checked away from the heels of BEAUTY LEGEND. In the early part of the Straight, GRAND DRAGON hung out. Passing the 150 Metres, QUICK TOUCH was struck across the nose by the whip of D Beadman (WHITE JADE). For the majority of the Home Straight, BLUE SKY was unable to obtain clear running and consequently was not tested. For the majority of the race, MOONWALK travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding his riding of ROMPING, J Victoire stated that as ROMPING was racing over 1600 Metres for the first time today since early 2009, it was decided to ride the horse in about 5th position with cover if possible. He said accordingly he did not ride ROMPING along in the early stages and a number of horses both drawn inside and outside of the horse went forward of him. He said shortly after the start he observed MOONWALK being shifted in from an outside barrier, therefore he elected to allow that horse to shift in in advance of ROMPING to ensure that, although ROMPING was obliged to race three wide, it would have cover. Trainer S Woods confirmed the instructions issued to J Victoire. He stated that the horse stepping up in distance today was the principal reason for riding it off the speed in the hope that it would finish off its race. BEAUTY LEGEND and MOONWALK were sent for sampling.