01/02/2015  Shatin  Race 7

BULLISH FRIEND began awkwardly. TOUR DE FORCE shifted out and inconvenienced EXCITING DREAM on jumping. BEAR HERO was steadied shortly after the start and shifted across behind runners. Making the first turn near the 900 Metres, EXCITING DREAM commenced to travel keenly and got its head up when racing close to the heels of KEY WITNESS. For the majority of the race, TOUR DE FORCE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of DOMINEER, B Prebble stated that his mount travelled strongly in the early and middle stages and he expected it to quicken once placed under pressure near the 400 Metres. He said however when he commenced to ride DOMINEER along, the horse did not respond to his riding, got its head on the side and was inclined to lay in. He said, despite being placed under pressure, DOMINEER gave ground and was disappointing. He added DOMINEER’s action felt normal and he was not able to detect any soundness issues which may have explained today’s performance. Trainer C Fownes stated that he was unable to offer any explanation for the performance of DOMINEER as the horse had pleased him in the lead up to the race and a forward showing was anticipated. He said, at this stage, it is his intention to give DOMINEER a break in order to freshen it up. A veterinary inspection of DOMINEER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. KEY WITNESS and LET ME GO were sent for sampling. <2/2/2015 Additional Veterinary Report>The Veterinary Officer reported that BEST ELEVEN was lame in its right front leg on the morning after racing. Before being allowed to race again, BEST ELEVEN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.