15/05/2011  Shatin  Race 2

After being loaded, SPEARHEAD became fractious and momentarily sat down. SPEARHEAD was removed from the barriers and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. Before being allowed to race again, SPEARHEAD will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. INVINCIBLE HEART and DUKE’S VICTORY bumped at the start. From a wide barrier, BLOSSOM DAILY was taken across behind runners shortly after the start and then in the early stages proved difficult to settle. At the entrance to the Straight, LUCKY RECORD was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SMART KIDS which shifted to the outside of COSMO SUCCESSOR. After this, LUCKY RECORD got its head on the side and lay out under pressure. Approaching the 200 Metres, DUKE’S VICTORY was awkwardly placed close to the heels of PASSIONATE. Over the final 200 Metres, PASSIONATE got its head on the side, shifted out under pressure and proved difficult to ride. Throughout the race, COSMO SUCCESSOR travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SPEARHEAD which was having its first race start on the All Weather surface today, M Du Plessis stated that, in his opinion, the horse did not back up from its last start on 7 May 2011. He said SPEARHEAD became very fractious in the barriers after being loaded and then did not finish off its race. A veterinary inspection of SPEARHEAD after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of ELUSIVE PRINCE after the race did not show any significant findings other than the hose had lost its right front plate. DARPANA and SMART KIDS were sent for sampling. <16/5/2011 Additional Veterinary Report>ELUSIVE PRINCE, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings other than the horse had lost its right front plate. ELUSIVE PRINCE was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer J Size this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in the left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, ELUSIVE PRINCE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.