26/02/2017  Shatin  Race 4

LAUGH OUT LOUD and CARRY TO WIN began only fairly. Shortly after the start, ACTUARIAT shifted in, resulting in RHODE ASSASSIN and TEN SPEED being hampered. From wide barriers, VICTORY FOLLOW ME and GOOD FOR YOU were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. LUCKY POWER lost its left hind plate near the 1300 Metres. Near the 950 Metres, TEN SPEED was momentarily crowded for room between CARRY TO WIN and RHODE ASSASSIN which shifted in. RHODE ASSASSIN was then directed out, resulting in UNBEATABLE GUTS being taken wider. UNBEATABLE GUTS, which throughout the race travelled wide and without cover, was then allowed to stride into a more forward position after the 900 Metres. Approaching the 900 Metres, ACTUARIAT (C Schofield) shifted in and bumped RAGING BULL. FORMULA GALORE, which was following RAGING BULL, was shifted in away from the heels of that horse, resulting in CARRY TO WIN being steadied when crowded for room. C Schofield was advised to exercise due care when positioning his mounts in future. After this, CARRY TO WIN proved difficult to settle and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of FORMULA GALORE. RHODE ASSASSIN lost its left front plate near the 900 Metres. Approaching the 700 Metres, VICTORY FOLLOW ME commenced to prove very difficult to settle and got its head up when being checked away from the heels of TEAM SWEET. Near the 550 Metres, SOUL ACHIEVER got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of CARRY TO WIN which was awkwardly placed behind FORMULA GALORE when travelling keenly. Passing the 500 Metres, LAUGH OUT LOUD shifted out and bumped TEAM SWEET. CARRY TO WIN was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight. SOUL ACHIEVER was unable to obtain clear running from approaching the 300 Metres until near the 200 Metres. When questioned regarding the performance of RAGING BULL, B Prebble stated that, in his opinion, the horse is best suited when able to have a trouble-free run in a forward position. He said he had intended to lead on RAGING BULL, however, after being ridden along in the early stages the tempo of the race was genuine and he would have had to make a lot more use of RAGING BULL in an endeavour to take the outright lead. He said after being bumped by ACTUARIAT approaching the 900 Metres, RAGING BULL then travelled comfortably behind the leaders, however, the horse was reluctant to improve between runners rounding the Home Turn and after being placed under pressure in the early part of the Straight was disappointing in the manner in which it weakened out of the race. A veterinary inspection of RAGING BULL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of RAGING BULL was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, RAGING BULL 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, TEN SPEED was found to be lame in the right front leg after sustaining an injury during the race. Before being allowed to race again, TEN SPEED will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of FORMULA GALORE immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, FORMULA GALORE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. FORMULA GALORE, VICTORY MASTER and GOOD FOR YOU were sent for sampling.