21/11/2010  Shatin  Race 3

SADDLERS LODGE began awkwardly and shifted in at the start, resulting in AMAZING JOURNEY being taken in, causing MACASSAR and FAT CHOY OOHLALA to be crowded for room. After the 900 Metres, KING AL AKBAR was left racing wide and without cover. Shortly after the 400 Metres, O’REILLY MAGIC was steadied away from the heels of MACASSAR which shifted in when commencing to give ground. A short distance later, O’REILLY MAGIC was again steadied when awkwardly placed inside MACASSAR which continued to give ground. HORACE’S LEGEND had difficulty obtaining clear running until near the 300 Metres. Passing the 200 Metres, SADDLERS LODGE got its head on the side and shifted out. When questioned, J Lloyd stated that he was advised by Mr J Moore, the trainer of KENOBE, that there did not appear to be genuine speed in the race and as KENOBE had performed well for the stable when ridden in a forward position on a previous occasion, he should be positive on KENOBE in the early stages. He said that if no other horse pressed the issue, he should lead on KENOBE, however, he was given the option to take a sit should another horse be intent on taking up the lead. He said he was able to obtain a forward position on KENOBE without having to make any real use of the horse in the early stages. He said he then set an even tempo in the lead on KENOBE in the early and middle stages. Trainer J Moore confirmed that he felt that there was a distinct lack of pace in the race and for this reason he instructed J Lloyd to be positive on KENOBE as the horse had previously raced well on the speed when it was successful at Happy Valley on 31 March 2010. He said he provided J Lloyd with the option to take a sit on KENOBE if another horse was intent on leading. KING AL AKBAR and FAT CHOY OOHLALA were sent for sampling.