01/01/2016  Shatin  Race 8

RAD shifted in at the start and bumped NOT LISTENIN'TOME. Near the 400 Metres, DOMINEER raced in restricted room between STRATHMORE and DUNDONNELL which was racing tight outside YOU READ MY MIND. Near the 300 Metres, DUNDONNELL (G Benoist) shifted out, resulting in DOMINEER being taken out onto CHARLES THE GREAT which became unbalanced and shifted out marginally behind CHARITY JOY. CHARLES THE GREAT was then straightened by its rider, resulting in DOMINEER being steadied when crowded for room between CHARLES THE GREAT and DUNDONNELL. G Benoist was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he leaves sufficient room for other runners in similar circumstances. Approaching the 200 Metres, STRATHMORE was disappointed for running between RAD and NOT LISTENIN'TOME. STRATHMORE was then held up for clear running for a short distance. CHARITY JOY was not able to obtain clear running until approaching the 100 Metres. Near the 50 Metres, STRATHMORE was shifted to the inside of the heels of NOT LISTENIN'TOME to obtain clear running. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of BUNDLE OF JOY, J Moreira stated that from the inside barrier he had to ride his mount along in the early stages in an attempt to obtain a forward position. He said however that BUNDLE OF JOY did not show sufficient speed to cross YOU READ MY MIND which was drawn immediately outside of BUNDLE OF JOY and therefore passing the 900 Metres he elected to obtain a trailing position behind that horse. He said after the 500 Metres he placed BUNDLE OF JOY under pressure and the horse initially commenced to respond to his riding, however, came under pressure prior to the 300 Metres. He added passing the 200 Metres BUNDLE OF JOY became unbalanced in its action and therefore he had to stop riding the horse for a number of strides before being able to rebalance BUNDLE OF JOY, however, it was well beaten at this time. He said after this BUNDLE OF JOY did not close off and raced disappointingly. A veterinary inspection of BUNDLE OF JOY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. NOT LISTENIN'TOME and STRATHMORE were sent for sampling.