18/03/2012  Shatin  Race 8

On arrival at the Start, REAL SPECIALIST had its right front plate refitted. REAL SPECIALIST was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. PACKING TYCOON blundered at the start. MILITARY ATTACK was slow to begin. SMART GIANT began awkwardly. DOMINANT was crowded for room at the start between REAL SPECIALIST and MASQUERADER which was taken out by ZAIDAN. Near the 1800 Metres, SMART GIANT got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of MILITARY ATTACK. When the tempo slackened approaching the 1400 Metres, REAL SPECIALIST was awkwardly placed close to the heels of FAY FAY and shifted out away from the heels of that horse. After this, REAL SPECIALIST was allowed to improve to race outside the lead. After the 1000 Metres, ZAIDAN was left racing without cover. Passing the 850 Metres, DOMINANT became unbalanced when checked away from the heels of SWEET ORANGE. DAN EXCEL, which was following, was checked in consequence. After the 500 Metres, DOMINANT was awkwardly placed close to the heels of DAN EXCEL. Near the 200 Metres, PACKING TYCOON was shifted out away from the heels of REAL SPECIALIST. MILITARY ATTACK had difficulty obtaining clear running until near the 200 Metres. SWEET ORANGE had difficulty obtaining clear running until approaching the 100 Metres. LIBERATOR was not able to obtain clear running until after the 100 Metres and because of this was not able to be tested. Over the concluding stages, ZAIDAN was hampered when taken wider by FAY FAY (D Whyte) which shifted out. D Whyte was advised to exercise care. MILITARY ATTACK, which was racing outside of ZAIDAN, was steadied when awkwardly placed inside the heels of SAME WORLD. Because of this, MILITARY ATTACK was not able to be properly tested in the run to the finishing line. When questioned, W C Marwing stated that he had been under strict instructions not to be racing wide and without cover. He said for this reason passing the 700 Metres he elected to remain racing on the back of SAME WORLD rather than shifting out at that time when he was aware that DAN EXCEL was improving quickly to his outside. He said had he have shifted to the outside of SAME WORLD at this time, this would have resulted in SWEET ORANGE being left racing without cover and he felt that this would have been contrary to his instructions. He added that in the Straight tight running was available to SWEET ORANGE at various stages, however, in his opinion, the horse was reluctant to proceed between SAME WORLD and DAN EXCEL. He said it was not until after the 100 Metres that SWEET ORANGE was able to obtain comfortable racing room between SAME WORLD and DAN EXCEL. After the race, it was reported that MILITARY ATTACK had sustained a minor wound to the right hind leg and had lost the right hind plate. Also after the race, it was reported that SWEET ORANGE had sustained a cut above the right hock. A veterinary inspection of DOMINANT after the race did not show any significant findings. SWEET ORANGE, FAY FAY and SAME WORLD were sent for sampling. <19/3/2012 Additional Veterinary Report> The Clinical Veterinary Surgeon reported that BULLISH CHAMPION was lame in the right front leg on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, BULLISH CHAMPION will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.