25/05/2014  Shatin  Race 4

On entering the track, D Whyte was momentarily dislodged from SHARP HUNTER. After being difficult to load, BULLISH SMART then became fractious in the barriers. Before being allowed to race again, BULLISH SMART will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. On jumping, BULLISH SMART was crowded for room between SWIFT SHADOW and LET ME DO which shifted out. After this, BULLISH SMART was shifted across behind runners to obtain a position closer to the rail. From the outside barrier, CANNY FRANCO got its head up when being steadied with a view to being taken across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the 1100 Metres, CARRY THE DAY and TONYBOY raced tight inside METALLIC STAR which shifted in marginally. Passing the 750 Metres, FUN TAPESTRY commenced to prove very difficult to settle and was awkwardly placed behind LET ME DO. Approaching the 700 Metres, SHARP HUNTER was left racing wide and without cover. Rounding the Home Turn, LAUGH OUT LOUD was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SWIFT SHADOW. Near the 350 Metres, LAUGH OUT LOUD was checked when disappointed for running inside SWIFT SHADOW which, when commencing to give ground abruptly, got its head on the side. When questioned regarding his riding of METALLIC STAR in the early part of the Straight, A Suborics stated that he had been following LET ME DO (Z Purton) rounding the Home Turn and this horse appeared to be travelling strongly. He said at this time he had FUN TAPESTRY racing immediately to his outside. He said rounding the Home Turn he heard a call from his outside and he was reluctant to shift ground at this time, however, LET ME DO appeared to be travelling strongly so he elected to remain racing behind that horse. He said he had hoped that LET ME DO would quicken in the early part of the Straight which would allow METALLIC STAR the opportunity to shift to the inside of that horse when SWIFT SHADOW, which was under pressure to maintain its position, commenced to give ground. He said however that LET ME DO did not quicken as he anticipated it would and this resulted in METALLIC STAR being awkwardly placed behind LET ME DO and clipping the heels of that horse. He added that when this was occurring, he was unaware that a run to the outside of LET ME DO had presented itself when FUN TAPESTRY drifted out near the 400 Metres. He said however that at this time he had committed METALLIC STAR to obtaining a run inside LET ME DO. A Suborics was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, he must be attentive to runs as they develop in races. After the race, Z Purton stated that LET ME DO became unbalanced when struck on the heels of METALLIC STAR. A veterinary inspection of LAUGH OUT LOUD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SHARP HUNTER and TONYBOY were sent for sampling.