30/10/2013  Shatin  Race 8

After being loaded, BORN TO WIN became fractious and then began awkwardly. Before being allowed to race again, BORN TO WIN will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. Just prior to the start being effected, DOUBLE GLORY became fractious and as the start was effected began only fairly. DOUBLE GLORY was then ridden along in the early stages. FOLLOW THE WIND was slow to begin. From wide barriers, ADMIRAL LORD and XILAI XIANZI were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Passing the 1100 Metres, DOUBLE GLORY was crowded for room inside EVERSPRING which, after shifting in momentarily, was then shifted out abruptly to relieve the tightening to DOUBLE GLORY. FIGHTING BOY, which was following EVERSPRING, was hampered in consequence. Passing the 300 Metres, PLENTIFUL was shifted out away from the heels of EVERSPRING which was giving ground. The performance of GLAMOROUS HONOUR, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, GLAMOROUS HONOUR will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. O Doleuze (SUPREME ESSENCE) was fined a sum of $2,000 for raising his whip arm above shoulder height in the Straight. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of INVICTUS, W C Marwing stated that INVICTUS did not show great early pace in the race and took some time to clear runners to its inside and obtain a forward position outside the leader GLAMOROUS HONOUR. He said although it did take some time to obtain this position, he did not have to ride the horse vigorously to do so. He said after obtaining the position outside GLAMOROUS HONOUR, INVICTUS travelled well and when GLAMOROUS HONOUR commenced to give ground, INVICTUS was able to improve its position into the lead passing the 500 Metres. He added however that INVICTUS came under pressure rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, but did not quicken as he expected, rather the horse stayed on one-paced in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of INVICTUS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. INVICTUS, SMILING WATCH and SUPREME ESSENCE were sent for sampling.