12/02/2011  Shatin  Race 2

Trainer K L Man was fined a sum of $3,000 for incorrectly fitting the lugging bit carried by MARVEL PLUS. FOR SZESZE SAN shifted out abruptly at the start, resulting in RUMBA KING being checked. When being checked, RUMBA KING ran out abruptly. BEST FIT began awkwardly. TOAST FOR TROPHY was slow to begin. After the 600 Metres, PILLOWIN got its head on the side and hung in badly despite the efforts of its rider. The performance of PILLOWIN was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, PILLOWIN will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. TOAST FOR TROPHY was unable to obtain clear running until near the 200 Metres. When giving ground, BEST FIT became unbalanced near the 200 Metres when bumped by TOAST FOR TROPHY. Passing the 200 Metres, EXCELLENT WIN was steadied away from the heels of GOLD WINNER which shifted in to obtain clear running. Over the concluding stages, RUMBA KING got its head on the side and lay in. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of PONDEROSA, D Beadman stated that his mount travelled fairly in the early stages and he placed the horse under pressure after the 500 Metres to improve its position. He said PONDEROSA quickened for a short distance but soon thereafter came under pressure. He said after the 400 Metres PONDEROSA’s stride shortened noticeably and whilst he had not ridden the horse in a race previously, in his opinion, it appeared to be unsuited by today’s track conditions. A veterinary inspection of PONDEROSA after the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of BEST FIT, G Mossé stated that his mount travelled well in the first half of the race but came under pressure after the 500 Metres. He said despite being ridden along, BEST FIT did not respond to his riding and was most disappointing in the manner in which it weakened out of the race over the concluding stages. Trainer A S Cruz stated that BEST FIT had pleased him in its track work since its first up success and a forward showing was anticipated today. A veterinary inspection of BEST FIT after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of BEST FIT was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, BEST FIT will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. TOAST FOR TROPHY, DANE PATROL and GENERAL DANROAD were sent for sampling.