01/07/2011  Shatin  Race 7

CHAMPION MOUNT was withdrawn on 30.6.11 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter MIRAGE R (W C Marwing). Before being allowed to race again, CHAMPION MOUNT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SABINA was slow to begin. MIRAGE R was slow to begin and then shortly after the start was steadied away from the heels of KINGSTON SPARTACUS which began awkwardly and shifted out. Leaving the 1500 Metres, SABINA commenced to over-race and was steadied away from the heels of WATCH FIRST. Rounding the Home Turn, KINGSTON SPARTACUS became unbalanced when momentarily crowded for room inside ZEPHYRUS which got its head on the side and shifted in slightly. Also rounding the Home Turn, WATCH FIRST raced tight between BEST NOODLE which was giving ground and MY WAY which, when being shifted to the outside of MIRAGE R, was taken wider when MIRAGE R shifted out from behind KINGSTON SPARTACUS. MY WAY then had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Near the 250 Metres, KIDSLAND BABY was taken out by MIRAGE R which itself was taken out by ZEPHYRUS. BULLISH CASH was held up for clear running until after the 200 Metres. In the Straight, WATCH FIRST hung in and proved very difficult to ride. Throughout the race, BEST NOODLE travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground and finished tailed out. The performance of BEST NOODLE was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, BEST NOODLE 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 regarding the performance of HAPPY CHA CHA, J Lloyd stated that, in his opinion, the circumstances of today’s race did not suit the horse. He said unlike at its most recent start when successful, today’s race was run at a comparatively slow tempo with the pace of the race quickening up rounding the Home Turn. He said at its last start when successful, the pace of the race was more genuine in the early stages. He said when the pace of the race quickened after the 600 Metres today, HAPPY CHA CHA was caught racing behind BEST NOODLE which was commencing to give ground. He said this resulted in HAPPY CHA CHA being left somewhat flat-footed rounding the Home Turn. He added in the early part of the Straight HAPPY CHA CHA responded to his riding, however, over the final 200 Metres finished off the race only fairly. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY CHA CHA after the race did not show any significant findings. WATCH FIRST, PEGASUS SUPREME and PROSPERITY were sent for sampling.