01/01/2011  Shatin  Race 1

METRO RIDER began very awkwardly, resulting in its rider, N Callan, becoming badly unbalanced in the saddle. ACTUARIAL TALENT shifted out at the start, resulting in GRANDFIELD being crowded for room. EPEE DE HUA was slow to begin. From a wide barrier, GOOD JOB was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Passing the 1000 Metres, PAPER WINS was steadied away from the heels of SUNSHINE BOY (D Whyte) which shifted in when barely clear. D Whyte was advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances. Some distance later, METRO RIDER, which was proving difficult to settle, struck the heels of PAPER WINS and blundered badly. BERNINI, GRANDFIELD and GOOD JOB, all of which were racing behind or in the vicinity of METRO RIDER, were hampered in consequence. When GOOD JOB was hampered, it got its head up and shifted out, resulting in SPEEDY TYCOON being taken wider. After the 700 Metres, VALUE CHOICE was left racing wide and without cover. METRO RIDER hung out rounding the Home Turn. In the early part of the Straight, GRANDFIELD was held up for clear running. Near the 250 Metres, SUNSHINE BOY, which had been held up for clear running, was steadied away from the heels of EPEE DE HUA when continuing to be unable to find clear running. For some distance approaching and passing the 200 Metres, BUMBLE BEE was held up when awkwardly placed behind the heels of BLESS US ALL. GOOD JOB was not able to obtain clear running until near the 200 Metres. SUNSHINE BOY, GRANDFIELD and TOP SPEED were sent for sampling.