09/04/2011  Shatin  Race 9

CITY POWER was withdrawn on 8.4.11 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (inappetance) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter WRATH OF FIRE (W C Marwing). Before being allowed to race again, CITY POWER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. NUGGET WARRIOR was slow to begin. From a wide barrier, CARS KING PRAWN was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 850 Metres, BIG PROFIT shifted out momentarily when awkwardly placed close to the heels of CROWN WITNESS. PERFECT JOY, which was following, improved its position to be racing to the inside of the heels of BIG PROFIT despite the efforts of its rider. A short distance later, PERFECT JOY was checked away from the heels of BIG PROFIT which shifted back in. In this incident, PERFECT JOY shifted in and bumped JOYFUL WINNER II which became unbalanced. Near the 700 Metres, PLENTIFUL commenced to over-race and was checked away from the heels of PIZZAZZ. Passing the 200 Metres, EIGHT PLUS NINE was shifted to the outside of CROWN WITNESS when disappointed for running between that horse and DOUBLE DRAGON. Then over the concluding stages, EIGHT PLUS NINE was unable to obtain clear running and because of this was not ridden out to the end of the race. Also over the concluding stages, JOYFUL WINNER II and BIG PROFIT raced tight. When questioned, C K Tong (PLENTIFUL) stated that rounding the Home Turn he was following PIZZAZZ and was positioned to the inside of NOBLE DELUXE. He said as he was concerned that NOBLE DELUXE would maintain its position to the outside of PIZZAZZ, he elected at the entrance to the Straight to steady PLENTIFUL and shift to the outside of NOBLE DELUXE rather than risk being held up for clear running behind PIZZAZZ and inside NOBLE DELUXE. After the race, W C Marwing reported that passing the 800 Metres WRATH OF FIRE shifted in of its own accord, bumped the running rail and consequently became badly unbalanced. He said after this WRATH OF FIRE did not feel comfortable in its action. A veterinary inspection of WRATH OF FIRE after the race revealed that the horse was lame in its right front leg and had sustained a small wound to the left front cannon. The performance of WRATH OF FIRE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, WRATH OF FIRE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. CROWN WITNESS, PIZZAZZ and PLENTIFUL were sent for sampling.