17/01/2016  Shatin  Race 7

BORNTOACHIEVE was withdrawn on 16.1.16 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore foot) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter HIT THE BID (J Moreira). Before being allowed to race again, BORNTOACHIEVE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. GIANT STARS began only fairly. HASTA LA VISTA shifted out at the start and hampered SALSA BROTHERS. DR RACE and SALSA BROTHERS were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. Approaching the 1000 Metres, HIDDEN VALUE momentarily raced in restricted room between HIT THE BID and MULTIMAX which shifted out marginally. Making the first turn, ARCHIPPUS was crowded for room inside HIDDEN VALUE which got its head on the side and lay in when awkwardly placed close to the heels of HASTA LA VISTA. After the 600 Metres, ARCHIPPUS, which was proving difficult to settle, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of MULTIMAX. Then near the 500 Metre, ARCHIPPUS was steadied away from the heels of MULTIMAX. Near the 450 Metres, SALSA BROTHERS shifted out and bumped DR RACE. Passing the 200 Metres, TANGO FIRE raced in restricted room between HIDDEN VALUE and ARCHIPPUS which shifted out under pressure. Passing the 100 Metres, ARCHIPPUS shifted out and bumped TANGO FIRE. Close to the finishing line, DR RACE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of TANGO FIRE. For the majority of the race, SECRET AGENT travelled wide and without cover. SEA RUBY lost its left front plate during the running of the race. After the race, D Whyte stated that HASTA LA VISTA did not appreciate racing on the All Weather Track for the first time today particularly under the ��Wet Slow�� conditions. A veterinary inspection of HASTA LA VISTA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Also after the race, R Fourie (DR RACE) stated that in the early stages his mount was reluctant to stretch out due to the kickback. He said because of this DR RACE got its head on the side and shifted out making the first turn and consequently raced wide. He said as DR RACE had cover in the middle stages, he attempted to balance the horse up in the early part of the Straight and hold it for a final sprint so that it would be able to finish off the race as best as it could. He added however that, despite being placed under pressure after the 300 Metres, DR RACE finished off the race only one-paced. A veterinary inspection of HIDDEN VALUE immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse��s trachea. HIT THE BID, SEA RUBY and FIGHT HERO were sent for sampling.