22/12/2012  Shatin  Race 8

ULTIMATE WINNERS was crowded for room at the start between ATACX and DISCIPLES TWELVE. From a wide barrier, AFFLUENCE OF RAIN was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Approaching and passing the 800 Metres, ULTIMATE WINNERS became unbalanced when crowded for room inside FLAGSHIP SHINE which shifted ground on a number of occasions when racing greenly. METALLIC STAR, which was following ULTIMATE WINNERS, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse as a result of this incident. For the majority of the race, EASY SUCCESS travelled wide and without cover and near the 600 Metres became unbalanced when bumped by FLAGSHIP SHINE which shifted out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of SEASONS STAR. Rounding the Home Turn, DISCIPLES TWELVE and SEASONS STAR raced tight as DISCIPLES TWELVE shifted out into clear running. For some distance after the 200 Metres, METALLIC STAR had difficulty obtaining clear running and near the 100 Metres was awkwardly placed close to the heels of DISCIPLES TWELVE. When questioned, D Whyte stated that he had been asked to ride SEASONS STAR in about a midfield position from barrier 10 if possible. He said unlike at its recent starts, SEASONS STAR began very well and he was reluctant to restrain the horse too heavily in the early stages in order to comply with his instructions. He said therefore he allowed SEASONS STAR to remain in a forward position in the hope that it would be able to obtain cover prior to the first turn. He said due to the circumstances of the race SEASONS STAR was not able to obtain cover throughout the race and consequently weakened over the final 200 Metres. He added that although SEASONS STAR was somewhat disappointing, he felt that the circumstances of today’s race did not suit the horse, particularly given that it is still a three year old. A veterinary inspection of SEASONS STAR after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of THE PRINCE after the race did not show any significant findings. SEASONS STAR, FLAGSHIP SHINE and ULTIMATE WINNERS were sent for sampling.