20/02/2011  Shatin  Race 10

LEADING CITY began awkwardly. VIGOR DELIGHT began very awkwardly and then for a short distance after the start got its head up on a number of occasions. From wide barriers, both DANZULU and SEMOS were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 1100 Metres, BUSINESS AS USUAL got its head up and proved very difficult to settle when awkwardly place close to the heels of LEADING CITY. Near the 1000 Metres, SAPELLI was momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of SOARING DRAGON. Passing the 1000 Metres, SEMOS was awkwardly placed close to the heels of DANZULU and got its head on the side and shifted in. Throughout the race, APPRECIATION travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. A veterinary inspection of APPRECIATION after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of APPRECIATION, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, APPRECIATION will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, G Cheyne stated that rounding the Home Turn NEW GLORY got its head on the side and lay out. He said rather than force his mount to race back on the fence, he elected to allow it to maintain its momentum into the Straight. When questioned, O Doleuze (MR BOND) stated that he had been instructed to ride his horse quietly in the early stages and bring it to the outside to make its final run. He said passing the 600 Metres he considered taking a run to the inside of WIN PRACTITIONER, however, that horse was shifting ground and in order to comply with his instructions he elected to shift to the outside of WIN PRACTITIONER and follow DANZULU which he considered would be a strong chance in today’s race. He said as he did this, WIN PRACTITIONER commenced to shift ground outwards and although the opportunity existed to shift MR BOND back to the inside of that horse, he elected to continue to attempt to find clear running on the outside of runners. He added shortly after the 400 Metres he attempted to obtain a run between DANZULU and WIN PRACTITIONER, however, WIN PRACTITIONER continued to shift ground to his inside and this resulted in MR BOND being tightened for room and unable to continue improving its position until near the 300 Metres. He said after briefly obtaining clear running between those horses, MR BOND again raced tight between DANZULU and WIN PRACTITIONER approaching the 200 Metres. He said he placed the horse under pressure when he was able to obtain sufficient room to the inside of DANZULU. He added that although MR BOND never had clear running, he was able to test the horse out in the run to the line. A veterinary inspection of BUSINESS AS USUAL after the race did not show any significant findings. SEMOS, FAT CHOY OOHLALA and SAPELLI were sent for sampling.