12/11/2016  Shatin  Race 9

When entering the track, MASTER VIKING became fractious, resulting in C Schofield being dislodged from that horse without incident. THE JAZZ began awkwardly and then shortly after the start was crowded for room between WESTERN EXPRESS and SMART DECLARATION which shifted out. IRON BOY shifted out abruptly and hampered DIAMOND KING at the start. From a wide barrier, DIAMOND KING was then shifted across behind runners. MASTER VIKING began only fairly. Passing the 800 Metres, EXCEL ONESELF was awkwardly placed close to the heels of IRON BOY. After the 500 Metres, INVINCIBLE FRESH was steadied when crowded for room between IRON BOY and LOTUS BREEZE (N Callan) which shifted out to improve. N Callan was advised to exercise more care. On straightening, LOTUS BREEZE and IRON BOY raced tight as LOTUS BREEZE shifted out to obtain clear running. After the 400 Metres, MASTER VIKING lay in behind EXCEL ONESELF as WESTERN EXPRESS improved quickly around MASTER VIKING. MASTER VIKING was then held up for clear running until after the 300 Metres. Approaching the 200 Metres, SEASONS BLOOM, which was closing off strongly, was checked after running up behind MULTIMAX and REGENCY DARLING which resulted in SEASONS BLOOM being badly held up for clear running. SEASONS BLOOM was then unable to obtain clear running for the remainder of the race and consequently was not able to be tested. Passing the 200 Metres, EXCEL ONESELF was momentarily steadied away from the heels of WESTERN EXPRESS which shifted in. Near the 75 Metres, SMART DECLARATION, EXCEL ONESELF and MASTER VIKING were crowded for room between IRON BOY and DIAMOND KING, both of which shifted marginal ground. Throughout the race, IRON BOY travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, Z Purton stated that approaching the 200 Metres he was riding INVINCIBLE FRESH along in order to improve into an available run in advance of INVINCIBLE FRESH between MULTIMAX and LOTUS BREEZE. He said approaching the 200 Metres SEASONS BLOOM improved rapidly to his inside which resulted in the horse racing close to the heels of MULTIMAX. He said at this time the rider of SEASONS BLOOM then turned the horse’s head to the outside and as INVINCIBLE FRESH was racing outside SEASONS BLOOM, he anticipated that SEASONS BLOOM may have shifted out to avoid the heels of MULTIMAX. He said he therefore stopped riding for a short distance to establish whether SEASONS BLOOM was going to continue to shift out. He said when the rider of SEASONS BLOOM checked away from the heels of MULTIMAX and directed his mount inwards, he then recommenced to ride INVINCIBLE FRESH along. He added however that over the final 150 Metres INVINCIBLE FRESH was not able to obtain clear running between LOTUS BREEZE and MULTIMAX and consequently was not able to be properly tested. A veterinary inspection of INVINCIBLE FRESH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. IRON BOY, WESTERN EXPRESS and DIAMOND KING were sent for sampling.