01/01/2016  Shatin  Race 4

The start was delayed due to BORN TO WIN casting its right front plate behind the barriers. BORN TO WIN was examined by the Veterinary Officer after this plate had been refitted and passed suitable to race. INNOVATIVE WINNER and THUNDER WINNER began only fairly. Shortly after the start, WINGOLD was awkwardly placed inside the heels of MASQUERADER which shifted in. Passing the 1200 Metres, ORACLE was awkwardly placed inside the heels of BULB MASTER. On two occasions after the 400 Metres, MASQUERADER and G-ONE LEADER bumped. ORACLE had some difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight and near the 200 Metres was awkwardly placed close to the heels of LETSGOFREE which was shifted out after laying in towards the heels of BULB MASTER. LETSGOFREE was then awkwardly placed outside the heels of BULB MASTER until passing the 100 Metres. Throughout the race, PENNY LANE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, B Prebble stated that he had not been given any specific instructions on how HASTILY FEET should be ridden other than to ensure that the horse was properly balanced. He said at its last start the horse had raced disappointingly after being unbalanced during the race and accordingly it was important to ensure that the horse was able to travel well in the race. He said in the early stages he did not ride HASTILY FEET along rather he allowed the horse to travel where it was comfortable which was in a position behind midfield. He said although HASTILY FEET was inclined to travel strongly at various times during the early and middle stages, he was happy with the manner in which the horse remained balanced particularly rounding the turns. He added rounding the Home Turn he commenced to ride HASTILY FEET along to improve inside ORACLE which previously had been racing in advance of HASTILY FEET. He said he rode HASTILY FEET along in the early part of the Straight, however, the horse commenced to lay in. He said whilst there was a run available for HASTILY FEET to improve between FAIRY EAGLE and BULB MASTER, he was reluctant to ride HASTILY FEET up into this position passing the 400 Metres as he felt that FAIRY EAGLE would likely be directed out by its rider which would have resulted in the run closing for HASTILY FEET. He said therefore he waited to ensure that there would be adequate room for HASTILY FEET to improve into which it did after the 300 Metres. He said he then placed HASTILY FEET under pressure, however, the horse got its head on the side and continued to lay in until after the 200 Metres from which point it then was able to finish off the race strongly. B Prebble was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, wherever possible, he must ensure that he rides his mounts in such a manner to take advantage of runs as they become available. A veterinary inspection of LETSGOFREE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. A veterinary inspection of VICTORY BOYS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. LETSGOFREE, SNOW SLIDER and HASTILY FEET were sent for sampling.