18/01/2017  Shatin  Race 2

MIGHTY WONGCHOY began only fairly. SOCCER BRAVE shifted out at the start and bumped HAPPY FRIENDSHIP. After the 1200 Metres, VIVACIOUS WINNER was left racing wide and without cover. After the 800 Metres, SOCCER BRAVE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of GENTLEMEN and tight inside HOLY STAR. Also after the 800 Metres, MIGHTY WONGCHOY got its head on the side and was reluctant to shift to the outside of COMMANDANT. Approaching the 400 Metres, COMMANDANT and GENTLEMEN raced tight. After the 400 Metres, MIGHTY WONGCHOY and SOCCER BRAVE bumped as MIGHTY WONGCHOY shifted out to obtain clear running. When questioned, S de Sousa (MIZZEN GREY) stated that after the 700 Metres he was racing between DRAGON GLORY and SWEET BEAN. He said approaching the 600 Metres SWEET BEAN commenced to shift out which resulted in MIZZEN GREY racing tight between that horse and DRAGON GLORY. He said he considered steadying MIZZEN GREY and shifting to the outside of DRAGON GLORY, however, he was of the view that this would have resulted in MIZZEN GREY racing very wide and covering unnecessary ground, therefore he elected to continue racing to the inside of DRAGON GLORY and follow SWEET BEAN through when that horse improved its position rounding the Home Turn. He said this resulted in MIZZEN GREY being held up for clear running for some distance approaching and rounding the Home Turn. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SOCCER BRAVE, D Whyte stated that although the horse raced further back in the field than had been anticipated, the pace of the race was good and SOCCER BRAVE settled well in the run. He said SOCCER BRAVE came under pressure after the 700 Metres and did not quicken as he expected it would. He added in the Straight SOCCER BRAVE lay in under pressure and its action shortened over the concluding stages. A veterinary inspection of SOCCER BRAVE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of SOCCER BRAVE, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SOCCER BRAVE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, H W Lai reported that DRAGON BACHELOR came under heavy pressure after the 1000 Metres and then gave ground noticeably. A veterinary inspection of DRAGON BACHELOR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of DRAGON BACHELOR, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, DRAGON BACHELOR will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SOCCER BRAVE, SWEET BEAN and VIVACIOUS WINNER were sent for sampling.