09/04/2011  Shatin  Race 3

SLEEP WELL was slow to begin. Passing the 700 Metres, ARION OF CHIU TON got its head on the side and hung out and after this travelled wide and without cover. In the early part of the Straight, ARION OF CHIU TON continued to hang out badly and proved difficult to ride. The performance of ARION OF CHIU TON was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, ARION OF CHIU TON will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial around a bend. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of LIBERATOR, D Whyte stated that he had ridden the horse in track work in the lead up to today’s race and this work, in his opinion, had been “satisfactory”. He said that in its recent races LIBERATOR had begun well, however, today despite being urged along in the early stages LIBERATOR did not show any early pace and for this reason raced further back in the field than had been intended. He said he was obliged to continue to ride LIBERATOR along in the early stages to have it travel better. He added in the early part of the Straight LIBERATOR responded to his riding, however, over the final 200 Metres was very disappointing in the manner in which it failed to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of LIBERATOR after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that BULLISH CASH had lost both its front plates. LIBERATOR, KING OF SCOTS and TOM’S EIGHTH were sent for sampling.