30/03/2014  Shatin  Race 9

On arrival at the Start, the tongue tie applied to SPARKLING B was refitted. From wide barriers, G-ONE LEADER, BEAUTY AHEAD and GLORY OF LONGWAH were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. CLANCY AVENUE lost its right hind plate after the 1000 Metres. After being crossed by GORGEOUS DEBUT near the 800 Metres, CLANCY AVENUE got its head up on a number of occasions when awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse. BRAVE BROTHER lost its left front plate at the 300 Metres. SPARKLING B was badly held up for clear running until passing the 300 Metres. Passing the 300 Metres, BEAUTY JOURNEY was inconvenienced when SPARKLING B shifted out to obtain clear running. Then near the 150 Metres, BEAUTY JOURNEY was steadied when unable to improve between BRAVE BROTHER and MY LITTLE FRIEND where there was insufficient room. After this, BEAUTY JOURNTY was badly held up for clear running and consequently was unable to be tested for the remainder of the race. When held up for clear running, BEAUTY JOURNEY shifted out and bumped BALTIC WARRIOR near the 100 Metres which then was directed out across the heels of OWNERS’ PRIDE into clear running. Near the 250 Metres, BEAUTY AHEAD was checked away from the heels of BOULD MOVER which was giving ground. Passing the 200 Metres, G-ONE LEADER was awkwardly placed behind ABLE WARRIOR when attempting to obtain clear running. Then passing the 100 Metres, G-ONE LEADER was shifted in away from the heels of SPARKLING B. For the majority of the race, BOULD MOVER travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, K Teetan stated that after having to ride his mount along in the early stages, BRAVE BROTHER was left racing in a three wide position outside ABLE WARRIOR in the run to the first turn. He said after the 900 Metres he looked to his inside to establish whether he was clear of ABLE WARRIOR with a view to shifting in to a position one horse off the fence. He said he had another look to his inside passing the 800 Metres and established that he was not sufficiently clear of ABLE WARRIOR to shift in. He said he did consider riding BRAVE BROTHER along at this time in an endeavour to clear ABLE WARRIOR, however, he was of the opinion that ABLE WARRIOR would be ridden to maintain its position inside BRAVE BROTHER and therefore no advantage would be gained by having to ride his mount along after the 800 Metres. He added he felt it was in the best interests of BRAVE BROTHER to have the horse balanced albeit in the three wide position without cover. MY LITTLE FRIEND, GORGEOUS DEBUT and SPARKLING B were sent for sampling.