05/05/2010  Shatin  Race 1

MY GOOD FRIEND was slow to begin. WINNING SCHOLAR began awkwardly and shortly after the start was steadied away from the heels of SPICY SHRIMP. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, BLADE FORCE failed to muster speed and raced back in the field. Near the 900 Metres, FLEETING QUALITY was bumped by BLADE FORCE which was taken out by KA KA`S PROSPERITY which itself shifted out after being bumped by GOUF. When questioned, J Lloyd (FLEETING QUALITY) stated that, from the outside barrier, he had been asked to take the horse across behind runners as previously when it had gone forward from a wide barrier it had bled during the race. He said accordingly, shortly after the start he commenced to take FLEETING QUALITY across behind runners, however, it over-raced and proved difficult to settle. He said after the 1000 Metres he attempted to shift across behind BLADE FORCE, however, due to the manner in which FLEETING QUALITY was travelling and that BLADE FORCE was losing ground, he was not able to shift across behind that runner, accordingly FLEETING QUALITY was left racing wide and without cover for the majority of the race. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of GOUF, B Prebble stated that making the first turn GOUF commenced to hang out badly and then when placed under pressure in the Straight did not respond to his riding. A veterinary inspection of GOUF after the race revealed that the horse was lame in its right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, GOUF will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of BLADE FORCE after the race did not show any significant findings. GOUF, WINNING SCHOLAR and COSMO SUCCESSOR were sent for sampling.