01/05/2010  Shatin  Race 11

From the outside barrier, YUMMY SPIRITS travelled wide and without cover throughout the race. Near the 200 Metres, BLUE SKY was inconvenienced when disappointed for running between YOU GOTTA PAY and FLEET COMMAND. Near the 50 Metres, YOU GOTTA PAY shifted out and brushed FLEET COMMAND. In the Straight, SAPELLI had difficulty securing clear running. Over the concluding stages, SAPELLI was not able to obtain clear running and because of this was not ridden out to the end of the race as it normally would be. When questioned, Apprentice M L Yeung (SKYVIEW BAR) stated that he had been instructed to take the horse back at the start and ensure that it was able to finish off the race. He said accordingly he took the horse across behind runners shortly after the start, SKYVIEW BAR travelled keenly in the early stages and proved somewhat difficult to settle, however, after the 1300 Metres commenced to travel more kindly. He said at the entrance to the Straight he attempted to take a run to the inside of LITTLE DREAMS which at this time was shifting out. He said when a clear run did not present itself, he shifted SKYVIEW BAR to the outside of runners and the horse finished off the race only one-paced. Mr A T Millard, the trainer of SKYVIEW BAR, reported that following the horse’s most recent start when it was required to barrier trial due to unacceptable performance, he decided to ride the horse quietly to see if it would be able to finish off the race. He said following today’s performance the owner of SKYVIEW BAR indicated to him that consideration would be given to retiring the horse. When questioned regarding the improved performance of FLEET COMMAND, Trainer D E Ferraris stated that, in his opinion, the horse had been racing in stronger races than today’s. He said after its most recent start, he freshened FLEET COMMAND and barrier trialed the horse on 20 April 2010 and, in his opinion, this barrier trial was good. He said the manner in which the race was run today allowed FLEET COMMAND to race in a handy position and the horse was able to finish off the race after travelling well in the run. FLEET COMMAND and YOU GOTTA PAY were sent for sampling.