01/01/2014  Shatin  Race 5

BUDDY MERRY began awkwardly. BUNDLE OF HEART and ON THE WAY were slow to begin. Making the first turn approaching the 900 Metres, JOYFUL LUCK was awkwardly placed close to the heels of DISCIPLES TWELVE. Approaching the 300 Metres, BUNDLE OF HERAT was awkwardly placed inside the heels of DISCIPLES TWELVE when being shifted out from behind XI YING MEN. After the 250 Metres, JOYFUL LUCK was shifted in after being awkwardly placed close to the heels of XI YING MEN which was giving ground. Approaching the 200 Metres, COPY STAR was briefly held up for clear running behind FLASHING GUY which was giving ground. Throughout the race, XI YING MEN travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, T Angland stated that he was under no specific instructions on how ADDOLE should be ridden in today’s race as the horse was drawn the widest barrier and there were horses, which were drawn more favourably, capable of being ridden in forward positions. He said therefore he was asked to have ADDOLE begin well and then it was left to him as to how the horse should be ridden. He stated that ADDOLE began well and he pushed the horse out in the initial stages of the race, however, it soon became apparent to him that XI YING MEN and FLASHING GUY were being ridden along to obtain forward positions and he felt that were ADDOLE to be ridden forward, the horse would not have sufficient speed to clear XI YING MEN which is noted for going forward in its races. He said therefore he felt it was in the best interests of ADDOLE to be shifted across behind runners and obtain a position with cover. He added the initial stages of the race were run at a good tempo and ultimately XI YING MEN was left racing in a three wide position without cover outside the lead. He said ADDOLE got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of BUDDY MARY after the 600 Metres and after being shifted to the outside of runners rounding the Home Turn, ADDOLE closed off the race well. DISCIPLES TWELVE and ADDOLE were sent for sampling.