22/01/2017  Shatin  Race 2

WINNING VIBE began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped NAMJONG INVINCIBLE. GENTRY and EASTERN PROWESS began only fairly. REWARDING FLYER and MASTER STEED bumped at the start. From wide barriers, CARRY TO WIN, NOTED PERFORMER and GREAT WISDOM were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After the 1000 Metres, EASTERN PROWESS raced with its head on the side and then making the turn after the 900 Metres hung out towards the heels of RATTAN and was checked. EASTERN PROWESS continued to hang out and passing the 650 Metres was again checked and lost ground after shifting out across the heels of NAMJONG INVINCIBLE. GENTRY, which was following EASTERN PROWESS, was inconvenienced in consequence. The racing manners of EASTERN PROWESS were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, EASTERN PROWESS will be required to perform satisfactorily in a barrier trial around a bend. Approaching the 500 Metres, GOOD FOR YOU and RATTAN raced tight as RATTAN shifted to the outside of REWARDING FLYER to obtain clear running. Passing the 200 Metres, CARRY TO WIN was shifted to the outside of MASTER STEED after being disappointed for running between that horse and GOOD FOR YOU. Also passing the 200 Metres, GENTRY shifted out under pressure, inconveniencing WINNING VIBE. When questioned, O Doleuze stated that it had been decided to ride WINNING VIBE more quietly as the horse had not been finishing off its races of late when ridden in a forward position. He said after being able to enjoy a good run behind midfield in the early and middle stages, he shifted WINNING VIBE to the outside of runners rounding the Home Turn and the horse finished off the race satisfactorily. When questioned, A Badel stated that it was not anticipated that the race would be run at a fast tempo and therefore, from the outside barrier, he was asked to ride GOOD FOR YOU positively if it began well. He said, alternatively, he was told that if GOOD FOR YOU were to miss the start, which it had done on occasions, he should shift the horse across behind runners in the early stages. He said GOOD FOR YOU began fairly and therefore he elected to allow the horse to take up a forward position, however, was obliged to race three wide and without cover throughout. GENTRY lost its right front plate after the race. A veterinary inspection of GOOD FOR YOU, NAMJONG INVINCIBLE and REWARDING FLYER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. RIGHT CALL and RATTAN were sent for sampling.