01/07/2012  Shatin  Race 10

From the outside barrier, LUCKY RECORD was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Shortly after the start, BUNDLE OF LOVE blundered. Passing the 1000 Metres, MEGA proved difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions when awkwardly placed close to the heels of METALLIC STAR. For some distance after the 800 Metres, MR AWARD proved difficult to settle and was checked away from the heels of FIONN’S TREASURE. HAPPY CHAMPION, which was following, was checked away from the heels of MR AWARD in consequence and near the 700 Metres shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of BUNDLE OF LOVE. STERLING CITY and MEGA, which were following BUNDLE OF LOVE, were awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse, resulting in both horses having to be checked. For some distance after this, MR AWARD had to be checked away from the heels of FIONN’S TREASURE when continuing to prove difficult to settle and rounding the Home Turn was awkwardly placed when attempting to obtain clear running between FIONN’S TREASURE and CONFUCIUS ELITE. Rounding the Home Turn, STERLING CITY and NIGHTLIGN raced tight as STERLING CITY shifted out to obtain clear running. After having difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight, HAPPY CHAMPION was awkwardly placed inside the heels of METALLIC STAR for some distance approaching and passing the 200 Metres. Near the 100 Metres, CONFUCIUS ELITE was steadied when HAPPY CHAMPION was taken in by METALLIC STAR. FINN MACCOOL was unable to obtain clear running in the Straight until the concluding stages and because of this was not able to be tested. Between the 200 Metres and the 100 Metres, GALAXY PRANCER was not able to obtain clear running and then for some distance after the 100 Metres raced in restricted room between BUNDLE OF LOVE and ALL VICTORY. Because of this, GALAXY PRANCER was not able to be properly tested. Throughout the race, METALLIC STAR travelled wide and without cover and rounding the Home Turn got its head on the side and hung out. H W Lai (NIGHTLIGN) was fined a sum of $2,000 for raising his whip arm above shoulder height. When questioned, B Prebble stated that after being placed in the barriers, CARRY THE ZEAL became extremely fractious, resulting in him having to dismount the horse in an attempt to have it settle better. He said the tempo of the race in the early stages was solid and he was comfortable for CARRY THE ZEAL to travel in about a midfield position. He said near the 500 Metres he improved his position to be racing inside HAPPY CHAMPION and he rode his mount along rounding the Home Turn, however, CARRY THE ZEAL did not feel comfortable in its action and, in his opinion, felt sore in front. He said for this reason he eased the horse down over the final 300 Metres. A veterinary inspection of CARRY THE ZEAL after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of CARRY THE ZEAL, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, CARRY THE ZEAL will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. STERLING CITY, LUCKY RECORD and FIONN’S TREASURE were sent for sampling.