10/10/2010  Shatin  Race 4

STORM’S DESTINY was slow to begin. FULL PACK, which was leaning against the outside of its stall, began awkwardly and then shortly after the start was bumped by SEXY BABY which shifted out after beginning awkwardly. From the outside barrier, ROCKALOT was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, THISTLE SPIRIT was steadied away from the heels of GRAND GENERAL. Passing the 1200 Metres, LIGHTNING MOUNT proved difficult to settle and was steadied away from the heels of DASH. GRAND GENERAL, which was following, was steadied in consequence. On entering the Back Straight, PLOT RATIO and STAR OF CHIU TON, which were racing wide, were allowed to stride forward to obtain leading positions. However, STAR OF CHIU TON continued to race three wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. Rounding the Home Turn, LIGHTNING MOUNT raced in restricted room between DASH and SUPREME COMMANDER. Shortly after entering the Straight, FULL PACK was steadied and shifted out when disappointed for running between DASH and STAR OF CHIU TON which shifted out slightly when giving ground. Near the 150 Metres, SEXY BABY was severely checked away from the heels of PLOT RATIO which shifted in when giving ground abruptly. For the majority of the race, SUPREME COMMANDER travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, J Lloyd (STORM’S DESTINY) stated that near the 500 Metres he attempted to shift away from the fence to follow DEVON JOY rather than remaining on the fence and following GOLDEN BOY. He said he was aware that GOLDEN BOY had weakened abruptly in a number of its races and for this reason he felt that it would be best to position STORM’S DESTINY behind DEVON JOY. He said he had also noted earlier in the race that GOLDEN BOY had been headed by PLOT RATIO and STAR OF CHIU TON and he was concerned that GOLDEN BOY would commence to weaken back through the field. He added however STORM’S DESTINY at this time was travelling too strongly and DEVON JOY was not able to improve its position behind PLOT RATIO, therefore he was not able to immediately shift to the outside of DEVON JOY. He said after entering the Straight when DEVON JOY obtained a run between GOLDEN BOY and PLOT RATIO, he shifted to the outside of PLOT RATIO to obtain clear running. He said at this time he received a precautionary call from another rider and as he felt that he might cause interference by continuing to shift out and after he noticed GOLDEN BOY had quickened in the early part of the Straight, therefore he shifted STORM’S DESTINY back to the inside of DEVON JOY. He added because of this, STORM’S DESTINY was not able to obtain clear running until approaching the 200 Metres. GOLDEN BOY and DASH were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that SUPREME COMMANDER had lost its right hind plate.