05/02/2011  Shatin  Race 6

VIVA FREEDOM was withdrawn on 4.2.11 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (sore left front capped elbow) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter DAILY DOUBLE (G Cheyne). Before being allowed to race again, VIVA FREEDOM will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. On arrival at the barriers, Jockey J Lloyd expressed concern regarding the action of ABLE DRAGON. ABLE DRAGON was examined by the Veterinary Officer who reported that the horse was lame in its right front leg and accordingly was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of ABLE DRAGON. Before being allowed to race again, ABLE DRAGON will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. ROCKET POWER was slow to begin. From a wide barrier, MORE LUCKY was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 1100 Metres, SURE FORWARD raced in restricted room between NEW VISION and JIMSON THE BEST. Near the 800 Metres, SURE FORWARD was then crowded for room between NEW VISION and ZEZAO which shifted in slightly. From the 300 Metres until near the 150 Metres, BUCCANEER was badly held up for clear running. Approaching and passing the 200 Metres, SUPER GENKI had some difficulty obtaining clear running. Passing the 100 Metres, SUPER GENKI was taken wider by SUPER GENTLEMAN which shifted out away from NEW VISION. Throughout the race, ZEZAO travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SURE FORWARD, T Angland stated that he had been riding the horse in its track work in the lead up to today’s race and, in his opinion, this work had been very good. He said that on the strength of this work and its recent good form, SURE FORWARD was expected by the stable to run well today. He said SURE FORWARD travelled kindly throughout the race and prior to the Home Turn he placed the horse under pressure to improve its position. He added however that he became concerned a short distance after this when SURE FORWARD did not respond to his riding and did not quicken as he thought it would. He said in the Straight SURE FORWARD was most disappointing in its failure to respond to his riding. He said that during and after the race he could detect nothing abnormal in the horse’s breathing or its action. Trainer D Cruz advised the Stewards that he had been most pleased with the manner in which SURE FORWARD had progressed since its most recent run and he felt that the horse had improved. He said for this reason he felt that it was a strong winning chance in today’s race. He said that he was not able to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance of SURE FORWARD as the horse appeared to travel well throughout the race and did not respond to its rider’s urgings in the Straight. He added that he inspected SURE FORWARD after the race and he was not able to detect anything which may explain the disappointing run. A veterinary inspection of SURE FORWARD after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of SURE FORWARD, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SURE FORWARD will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of BRIGHT SPIRITS after the race did not show any significant findings. NEW VISION and JIMSON THE BEST were sent for sampling.