19/04/2015  Shatin  Race 3

BUNKER SHOT was withdrawn on 16.4.15 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter THUNDER DASH. Before being allowed to race again, BUNKER SHOT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Despite being ridden along from the outside barrier, NAUGHTY BABY failed to muster speed and shortly after the start was shifted across behind runners. TRACKER was crowded for room on jumping between ACUMEN and CHOICE EXCHEQUER, both of which shifted ground. ATOMIC BLAST began awkwardly and shortly after the start shifted in and bumped TEN FLAMES which was then awkwardly placed outside the heels of PEACE ON EARTH. Approaching the 1100 Metres, HAPPY AND HEALTHY was momentarily steadied away from the heels of OWNERS’ PRIDE. After the 800 Metres, ATOMIC BLAST was left racing wide and without cover. Approaching and passing the 700 Metres, ACUMEN got its head up when proving difficult to settle. CHOICE EXCHEQUER, which was following ACUMEN and also proving difficult to settle, got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse. Passing the 700 Metres, TEN FLAMES was awkwardly placed close to the heels of PEACE ON EARTH. For some distance approaching and passing the 600 Metres, ACUMEN was awkwardly placed close to the heels of ATOMIC BLAST. OWNERS’ PRIDE lay out in the middle stages. TEN FLAMES had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Passing the 300 Metres, ACUMEN shifted out abruptly away from the heels of ATOMIC BLAST which shifted out away from TRACKER after being brushed by that horse which was taken out marginally by PEACE ON EARTH. Near the 250 Metres, PEACE ON EARTH shifted in and bumped ONE MORE WORLD. Passing the 200 Metres, TEN FLAMES was hampered when disappointed for running between TRACKER and NAUGHTY BABY (Apprentice K C Ng) which shifted out when not properly clear. Apprentice Ng was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in future. Passing the 100 Metres, Apprentice K C Ng dropped his right rein. In the Straight, NAUGHTY BABY hung in and proved difficult to ride. A veterinary inspection of SILVER BAUHINIA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. The performance of SILVER BAUHINIA, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SILVER BAUHINIA will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of ATOMIC BLAST immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. NAUGHTY BABY and THUNDER DASH were sent for sampling.