31/01/2010  Shatin  Race 10

After being loaded, YUMMY SPIRITS became fractious and kicked out at the back gates on a number of occasions. YUMMY SPIRITS was removed from the stalls and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said, in his opinion, it was suitable to race. Before being allowed to race again, YUMMY SPIRITS will have to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. MR BLACKBERRY, DIEGO and CONFUCIUS CLASSIC were all slow to begin. HIGH POINT shifted out and bumped GRAND STORE at the start. POT OF GOLD blundered at the start. From an outside barrier, CAT STORM was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Throughout the race, WINE WIN and HEARTLINE travelled wide and without cover. A Gryder (CAT STORM) was reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out right to the end of the race where circumstances permit. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of ROYAL PERICLES, Z Purton stated that his mount was obliged to race slightly further back than had been anticipated due to it being awkwardly placed making the first turn between YUMMY SPIRITS and BOSS. He said although this was the case, ROYAL PERICLES travelled kindly throughout the middle stages and at the entrance to the Straight he shifted the horse in to follow YUMMY SPIRITS through. He said however that ROYAL PERICLES did not respond to his riding and quicken as it did at its most recent start on the All Weather surface and, in his opinion, was disappointing. A veterinary inspection of ROYAL PERICLES after the race did not show any significant findings. ROYAL FLUSH and YUMMY SPIRITS were sent for sampling.