11/09/2011  Shatin  Race 2

POLYGOLD was checked on jumping when crowded for room between QUELLE SURPRISE and SUPER PEPPER which began awkwardly and shifted out. From a wide barrier, AMBITIOUS OWNER was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Passing the 1200 Metres, HUA SHI was checked when crowded for room between GOOD FORTUNE and CHEERFUL DOUBLE (Apprentice K C Ng) which shifted in. Apprentice Ng was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that he leaves runners to his inside with sufficient room in future. Near the 500 Metres, CHEERFUL DOUBLE and HUA SHI bumped as CHEERFUL DOUBLE shifted to the outside of SUNSHINE BOY into clear running. When attempting to be shifted to the outside of runners rounding the Home Turn, POLYGOLD was held up for clear running and then at the entrance to the Straight, when unable to continue shifting out, was steadied and altered course to the inside of CLASSA to improve its position. When questioned, Trainer K L Man stated that from barrier 14 today it had been decided to ride SPARKLING in the lead if possible, particularly to overcome its outside draw. He said he had trialed SPARKLING on 30 August 2011 and in that trial with the blinkers reapplied SPARKLING, when ridden in the lead, had performed well. He said because of this he felt that SPARKLING would benefit by being ridden forward in today’s race. He said however that SPARKLING had to be used up more than had been hoped to cross runners in the early stages and because of this the horse was not able to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of SUPER PEPPER after the race did not show any significant findings. GOOD FORTUNE, NAMJONG HUNTER and AMBITIOUS OWNER were sent for sampling.