04/07/2010  Shatin  Race 3

EPEE DE HUA and SMART CODE were slow to begin. Near the 1500 Metres, FRAMES DEPOT got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of TIBIDABO. Passing the 1400 Metres, ZERO GRAVITY was momentarily tightened for room inside TRAVEL LEADER which shifted in. Near the 850 Metres, OCTAGONAL CANYON became unbalanced when crowded for room inside FRAMES DEPOT which got its head on the side and shifted in when being steadied away from the heels of VITALITY CHAMP. PACIFIC ALLIANCE, which was following, was hampered in consequence. After the 800 Metres, ROMANCING TAMAR was left racing wide and without cover. Passing the 700 Metres, PACIFIC ALLIANCE raced in restricted room between ENERGIZED and OCTAGONAL CANYON which shifted out away from the heels of TIBIDABO after that horse commenced to give ground abruptly. Passing the 600 Metres, SMART CODE was shifted away from the heels of TIBIDABO which continued to give ground rapidly. EPEE DE HUA, which was following, was checked in consequence. A veterinary inspection of TIBIDABO, which finished tailed out, after the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. The performance of TIBIDABO was considered unacceptable. Before being permitted to race again, TIBIDABO will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Near the 200 Metres, SMART CODE was shifted to the inside of VITALITY CHAMP to continue improving. Throughout the race, SOLAR WONDER travelled wide and without cover. The performance of TRAVEL LEADER, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, TRAVEL LEADER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned regarding the performance of ENERGIZED, B Prebble stated that the horse was uncomfortable when racing between PACIFIC ALLIANCE and ROMANCING TAMAR for some distance approaching the 800 Metres. He said for this reason passing the 800 Metres he elected to steady ENERGIZED and follow ROMANCING TAMAR in the run. He said when shifted to the outside in the Straight, ENERGIZED did not stretch out and, in his opinion, was disappointing in its failure to close off the race. Mr P O’Sullivan, the trainer of ENERGIZED, said that the horse had done well since its last start and, in his opinion, its disappointing performance today could be put down to it not appreciating the “Good to Firm” track conditions. He said that following ENERGIZED’s disappointing performance today, the horse would be spelled. A veterinary inspection of ENERGIZED after the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned, D Beadman stated that he had been instructed to ride ZERO GRAVITY in a forward position as is usual. He said after being loaded ZERO GRAVITY turned its head to the left on a number of occasions. He said just prior to the start being effected, ZERO GRAVITY again turned its head to the left and consequently was slow to begin. He said therefore he elected to shift ZERO GRAVITY across behind runners rather than make use of the horse to obtain a forward position as instructed. A veterinary inspection of ZERO GRAVITY after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, ZERO GRAVITY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. ENERGIZED, CLOVIS and ROMANCING TAMAR were sent for sampling.