24/01/2010  Shatin  Race 8

CHEERFUL DELIGHTS was slow to begin. From a wide draw, MOONWALK was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Approaching the 1300 Metres, WHITE JADE was restrained away from the heels of BEAUTY FLASH (C Soumillon) which shifted in when not clear. C Soumillon was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances. Inside the 100 Metres, AMIGO, which had a tendency to lay in, shifted in slightly, resulting in CERISE CHERRY being steadied when crowded onto the hindquarters of ALGARVE which was hampered as a consequence. For the major part of the race, BEAUTY LEGEND travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, F Coetzee (SUPER PISTACHIO) stated that it had been anticipated that STRAIGHT FORWARD would lead the race and he was instructed to obtain a position behind that horse if possible. He said SUPER PISTACHIO, which became stirred up behind the barriers, did not show natural speed in the early stages. He said he did consider riding SUPER PISTACHIO along aggressively after the start to obtain a forward position as instructed, however, he felt that had he done this, the horse would not be able to finish off the race. He said for this reason SUPER PISTACHIO raced further back in the field than had been intended. He did say however that when ridden in this manner, SUPER PISTACHIO finished off the race well. When questioned, M Chadwick stated that he had been instructed to lead on STRAIGHT FORWARD if possible, however, if the pace was fast in the early stages, he should take a sit behind the speed. He said STRAIGHT FORWARD began awkwardly and then did not show the pace that he anticipated. He added that STRAIGHT FORWARD hung in in the early stages and when he observed BEAUTY FLASH and WHITE JADE improving to his outside, he allowed those horses to cross rather than make use of STRAIGHT FORWARD to lead. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of ALGARVE, B Prebble stated that he was surprised in the early stages of the race that the horse did not travel well enough to be able to take up a slightly more forward position. He said it had been hoped that ALGARVE would be able to race a little closer than it was obliged to today. He said irrespective of this, he was able to follow the eventual runner-up, CHATER WAY, throughout the race and that horse was able to draw a margin on ALGARVE in the early part of the Straight. He said, in his opinion, ALGARVE did not show the turn of foot that it had in its previous races and stayed on only one-paced in the run to the line. A veterinary inspection of WHITE JADE after the race did not show any significant findings. BEAUTY FLASH and CHATER WAY were sent for sampling.