07/04/2013  Shatin  Race 4

MEDIC KINGDOM began awkwardly. SUNSHINE KID knuckled over at the start. KA WAI FORTUNE stumbled at the start and shortly after the start shifted out and bumped HI MOLLY. After the 1000 Metres, NAUGHTY BABY got its head on the side and hung in away from EL GRANDE, resulting in DARPANA being inconvenienced. Close to the finishing line, NAUGHTY BABY and WHAT A HEART were crowded for room inside GLACIER BLUE which shifted in when awkwardly placed close to the heels of SUNSHINE KID. In the Straight, NAUGHTY BABY got its head on the side, hung in under pressure and proved difficult to ride. Throughout the race, MEDIC KINGDOM and KING OF THE DAY travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, C Y Ho stated that after beginning awkwardly, EL GRANDE raced outside GLACIER BLUE in a three wide position. He said after the 1100 Metres he steadied EL GRANDE to shift in behind GLACIER BLUE and obtained a position closer to the rail. He said after shifting EL GRANDE in behind GLACIER BLUE after the 1000 Metres, EL GRANDE immediately came under pressure to hold its position and had to be ridden along vigorously for some distance approaching and making the first turn when awkwardly placed between KA WAI FORTUNE and NAUGHTY BABY. He said because of the manner in which EL GRANDE was travelling at this time, the horse settled further back in the field than he expected after being well positioned in the early stages. He said EL GRANDE continued to travel only fairly until approaching the Home Turn where the horse commenced to improve into the race well. He added EL GRANDE was then badly held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight and after obtaining clear running passing the 300 Metres, the horse then had to be shifted to the outside of DARPANA near the 50 Metres to continue improving. A veterinary inspection of HI MOLLY immediately following the race revealed that it was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being permitted to race again, HI MOLLY will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. GLACIER BLUE, HYPERSONIC and DARPANA were sent for sampling.