07/04/2013  Shatin  Race 2

GORGEOUS LIFE began only fairly. GOLD TARTINI began awkwardly. As DOUBLE MOON was being steadied in an attempt to obtain a position with cover behind SPECTACULAR AWARD near the 1100 Metres, DOUBLE MOON was hampered and taken wider by SPECTACULAR AWARD which shifted out when proving difficult to settle. When DOUBLE MOON was taken out, IDYLLIC WIND was able to improve its position to the inside of that horse. Passing the 850 Metres, IDYLLIC WIND was checked after improving into tight running inside SPECTACULAR AWARD which, after shifting out slightly when awkwardly placed close to the heels of LOTUS LOVE, then shifted in to resume its position. As there was no rider error involved in this incident, no further action was taken. Passing the 600 Metres, GORGEOUS LIFE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of OCEAN BRIGHT. ALP’S GLORY was unable to obtain clear running until passing the 300 Metres. When racing tight between LOTUS LOVE and BEAUTIFUL SCENERY near the 250 Metres, SUNSHINE BOY was struck across the nose by the whip of H W Lai (LOTUS LOVE). TELECOM TOP STAR was unable to obtain clear running until near the 150 Metres. Throughout the race, LOTUS LOVE travelled wide and without cover. Also for the majority of the race, DOUBLE MOON travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SPECTACULAR AWARD, B Prebble stated that, from barrier 5, he had been instructed to ensure that he obtained cover behind the speed if possible. He said when runners to his inside were hard ridden in the early stages to obtain forward positions, he was left racing in a three wide position, however, even though the tempo of the race was only fair, he was reluctant to allow his mount to stride forward as he had been instructed to find cover. He said therefore he elected to allow LOTUS LOVE to cross SPECTACULAR AWARD after the 1000 Metres and although SPECTACULAR AWARD raced in a three wide position, the horse was able to race comfortably with cover. He added after the 600 Metres he had to niggle at SPECTACULAR AWARD to maintain its position and after being shifted to the outside of LOTUS LOVE rounding the Home Turn, SPECTACULAR AWARD was disappointing in that it did not quicken as he expected it would. He said he had ridden the horse in a barrier trial in the lead up to today’s race and in that barrier trial SPECTACULAR AWARD had performed well and had travelled comfortably throughout. He said SPECTACULAR AWARD was disappointing today in its failure to respond to his riding in the Straight even given that the horse was obliged to race three wide throughout. A veterinary inspection of SPECTACULAR AWARD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that SUNSHINE BOY was displaying signs of the “thumps”. A veterinary inspection of DOUBLE MOON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SPECTACULAR AWARD, SUNSHINE BOY and LOTUS LOVE were sent for sampling.