16/03/2014  Shatin  Race 5

Whilst in the saddling stalls, KA YING KID had its right front plate refitted. KA YING KID was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. SICHUAN EXEC began awkwardly and then shortly after the start became unbalanced after bumping ASIA RISING. BIG FOUR began awkwardly and got its head up as the start was effected and then shortly after the start was crowded for room between I’M IN CHARGE and HARBOUR DELIGHT which shifted out. From wide barriers, GALLANT TRIUMPH and STRATHTAY were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. After obtaining the lead, KA YING KID proved difficult to settle in the early stages. Despite being aggressively ridden along in the early stages, FLYING UNICORN was slow to muster speed. In the early stages, CLUB LIFE raced ungenerously and then making the first turn after the 900 Metres got its head on the side and lay out. CLUB LIFE continued to lay out until after straightening. Approaching and passing the 700 Metres, FURIO got its head on the side and lay out despite the efforts of its rider, resulting in I’M IN CHARGE being able to improve its position inside FURIO. Both BIG FOUR and GALLANT TRIUMPH were badly held up for clear running from on straightening until approaching the 200 Metres. Near the 300 Metres, ASIA RISING raced tight between CLUB LIFE and LUCKY HAMMER which was bumped by BIG FOUR. Passing the 200 Metres, ASIA RISING and LUCKY HAMMER were hampered when crowded for room outside HELLA HEDGE (A Suborics) which shifted ground under pressure. A Suborics was reprimanded and advised that he would be expected to stop riding and straighten his mounts in similar circumstances in the future. After being disappointed for running to the inside of the tiring KA YING KID for some distance from after the 200 Metres, FLYING UNICORN was shifted to the outside of that horse near the 150 Metres. When questioned, J Moreira (SICHUAN EXEC) stated that after becoming unbalanced at the start, he rode his mount along in the early stages in an endeavour to have it in a forward position. He said passing the 1200 Metres he was racing behind I’M IN CHARGE and rode SICHUAN EXEC in an attempt to maintain this position. He said however that SICHUAN EXEC was reluctant to maintain its position and, despite being ridden along, he was unable to have it remain racing behind I’M IN CHARGE. He added so as to ensure that SICHUAN EXEC would be able to close off the race, he desisted from riding it along at this time which allowed MASQUERADER the opportunity to obtain the position between I’M IN CHARGE and SICHUAN EXEC. He said he was able to shift across to race on the fence near the 700 Metres and was then able to improve to be back racing behind I’M IN CHARGE rounding the Home Turn. A veterinary inspection of KA YING KID immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. BIG FOUR, I’M IN CHARGE and SICHUAN EXEC were sent for sampling.