25/06/2014  Shatin  Race 1

On arrival at the barriers, it was noted that YOUNG SUPREME had blood at its mouth due to a laceration to the tongue. YOUNG SUPREME was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. From a wide barrier, SHANGHAI PIONEER was taken across behind runners in the early stages. For some distance after the 1000 Metres, SHANGHAI PIONEER, which was proving difficult to settle, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of DIAMOND START. Throughout the race, P J HALL travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, J Moreira (GOLD PRECIOUS) stated that due to the recent rain and the wet slow conditions, he felt that firmer going may be located towards the middle part of the track and for this reason he allowed GOLD PRECIOUS to shift out at the entrance to the Straight away from the inside section. When questioned, H Bowman stated that as Mr C S Shum, the trainer of SLEDGE HAMMER, felt there was good speed in the race, he was asked to ride the horse in about 4th or 5th position if possible. He said on jumping SLEDGE HAMMER began on terms with GRACYTOM and as that horse was racing outside of GOOD SMILE, one of the expected leaders of the race, he felt that it was in the best interests of SLEDGE HAMMER to obtain a trailing position behind GRACYTOM if possible. He said after he committed to this decision, GRACYTOM was then steadied by its rider and he felt that he would have had to make too much use of SLEDGE HAMMER to then ride the horse along to clear GRACYTOM which he did not believe was in the horse’s best interests. He said making the turn near the 700 Metres SLEDGE HAMMER, when racing tight inside P J HALL, got its head on the side and hung out and this resulted in SLEDGE HAMMER losing ground after being awkwardly placed inside the heels of P J HALL. He added SLEDGE HAMMER continued to lay out rounding the Home Turn, however, when placed under pressure in the early part of the Straight commenced to finish off the race satisfactorily. He said however that SLEDGE HAMMER’s run ended at the 100 Metres. H Bowman stated that, in his opinion, SLEDGE HAMMER did not feel as comfortable on tonight’s wet slow surface as it did when it was successful at its last start on a good track. A veterinary inspection of SLEDGE HAMMER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GOOD TIMES ROLL and GOLD PRECIOUS were sent for sampling.