28/10/2012  Shatin  Race 3

HAPPY WISDOM and ALP’S GLORY were slow to begin. WINNER SMART was crowded for room at the start between ISLAND SPRING and NEWSWIRE TOO, both of which shifted ground. Near the 300 Metres, EPEE DE HUA was struck across the nose by the whip of C Y Ho (VICTORY IDE SAY). Approaching the 200 Metres, ALP’S GLORY, which had its head on the side and was laying in, was shifted out away from the heels of DR UNION which was giving ground. After this, ALP’S GLORY continued to lay in and proved difficult to ride. On a number of occasions approaching and passing the 200 Metres, NEWSWIRE TOO got its head on the side and shifted out towards the heels of MEGA POSH. After the 200 Metres, the whip of M Chadwick (EPEE DE HUA) was knocked from his grasp by the whip of K C Leung (ISLAND SPRING). MEGA POSH travelled wide and without cover throughout the race. C K Tong (HAPPY WISDOM) was reminded of his obligations to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels to the end of the race. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of WINNER SMART, B Prebble stated that he was able to obtain a good position behind the eventual winner, ISLAND SPRING in the early stages. He said making the first turn WINNER SMART got its head on the side and lay out and in doing so made contact with DR UNION on a number of occasions. He said WINNER SMART continued to race awkwardly until passing the 600 Metres at which time the horse commenced to race more tractably. He said WINNER SMART came under heavy pressure rounding the Home Turn to maintain its position, however, despite being ridden out, did not respond to his riding and gave ground in the Straight. He added that, in his opinion, WINNER SMART was not suited by today’s surface and may be more advantaged by being returned to the All Weather Track which is a more forgiving surface. A veterinary inspection of WINNER SMART after the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of TREASURE GLITTER, D Whyte stated that, from the outside barrier, he had been asked to ride the horse behind midfield and obtain a position with cover. He said accordingly he shifted TREASURE GLITTER across behind runners in the early stages, however, he had to make considerable use of it in the early stages to prevent FIERY RAIDER from shifting in front of TREASURE GLITTER. He said after obtaining the position inside FIERY RAIDER making the first turn, he had to continue niggling at TREASURE GLITTER to have it maintain its position. He said TREASURE GLITTER came under pressure rounding the Home Turn and despite being placed under pressure in the Straight did not respond to his riding. He said TREASURE GLITTER was disappointing in that it failed to travel comfortably at any stage of the race. A veterinary inspection of TREASURE GLITTER after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of FIERY RAIDER after the race did not show any significant findings. POLYGOLD, ISLAND SPRING and LOTUS LOVE were sent for sampling.