16/02/2010  Shatin  Race 5

CRISTAL MAGNUM shifted out at the start and bumped HIGH LUCK. MATSUKAZE began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped SPECTACULAR AWARD. Near the 1300 Metres, BEL CANTO raced tight between GREAT UNITY and HIGH LUCK which shifted in momentarily. Passing the 1000 Metres, HO WONGCHOY proved difficult to settle and was checked away from the heels of GREAT UNITY. Rounding the first turn, NAMJONG HUNTER got its head up when being checked away from the heels of HIGH LUCK, shifted out and bumped CHAMPAGNE DAYS. At the same stage of the race, HO WONGCHOY was again steadied away from the heels of GREAT UNITY. Throughout the race, HIGH LUCK travelled wide and without cover. Y T Cheng (CHAMPAGNE DAYS) said that he had been instructed to ride the horse, which was stepping up in distance to 1400 Metres today, in midfield if possible, but to ensure that CHAMPAGNE DAYS was able to obtain cover. He said after beginning from barrier 11, he attempted to obtain a position in midfield as instructed, however, a number of horses were positioned to his inside, therefore he was not able to obtain cover as had been hoped. He said rather than remaining racing wide, he elected to come back further on CHAMPAGNE DAYS in an attempt to obtain cover, however, he was unable to do so and therefore CHAMPAGNE DAYS was obliged to race four wide and without cover throughout the race. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of APEX, D Whyte said his mount failed to travel at any stage and despite being niggled along throughout the early and middle stages was reluctant to stretch out. He said in the Straight APEX’s action deteriorated and as he was concerned that something may be amiss with the horse, he eased it down over the final 250 Metres. Trainer K L Man stated that he was very disappointed with the performance of APEX as its track work since its first up run had been “excellent”. He said due to the manner in which APEX performed at its first start over 1000 Metres and the manner in which it had worked since, he expected a forward showing of APEX today. He added at this time he was unable to offer any explanation as to the disappointing performance of the horse. A veterinary inspection of APEX after the race did not show any significant findings. Mr Man was advised that the performance of APEX was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, APEX will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SPECTACULAR AWARD, CRISTAL MAGNUM and MATSUKAZE were sent for sampling.