10/11/2018  Shatin  Race 10

As the start was effected, ARCADA became very fractious and then bounded in the air as the gates opened, resulting in the horse losing a considerable amount of ground. Before being allowed to race again, ARCADA will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. MAGNETISM shifted out and bumped KIRAM on jumping. From wide barriers, RAZOR QUEST and STARSHIP were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. When being eased to obtain cover shortly after the start, THE JUDGE was momentarily steadied away from the heels of WARM THE VOICE which was taken in by CALLING THE SHOTS. Passing the 1400 Metres, WARM THE VOICE was momentarily crowded for room inside CALLING THE SHOTS (Apprentice H T Mo) which shifted in before being directed out to relieve the tightening to WARM THE VOICE. Apprentice Mo was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is properly clear prior to shifting ground in future. Approaching the 700 Metres, CALLING THE SHOTS got its head up when being checked away from the heels of ARCADA. HAPPY SEBRING, which was following, shifted out away from the heels of CALLING THE SHOTS in consequence, resulting in MARZOUQ and BIG BANG BONG being taken wider. Passing the 500 Metres, HAPPY SEBRING raced tight inside the heels of MARZOUQ. Approaching the 300 Metres, WARM THE VOICE was steadied away from the heels of GREAT TREASURE which was taken out marginally by BIG BANG BONG. MAGNETISM was held up for clear running over the final 300 Metres when unable to improve inside ARCADA which was giving ground. Approaching the 100 Metres, MAGNETISM was then shifted to the outside of ARCADA, however, over the concluding stages was again awkwardly placed inside the heels of CALLING THE SHOTS. Because of this, MAGNETISM was not able to be tested. Near the 250 Metres, RAZOR QUEST was shifted in away from the heels of BIG BANG BONG to continue improving. Throughout the race, BIG BANG BONG travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, Apprentice C Wong stated that he was instructed to obtain a forward position on GO BEAUTY GO and lead the race if possible. He said however that he was also instructed if the riders of other runners were intent on leading, he should take a trailing position and shift away from the rail to ensure that GO BEAUTY GO had clear running in the Straight. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode GO BEAUTY GO along in the early stages and was able to obtain the lead passing the 1500 Metres. He said after the 1400 Metres CALLING THE SHOTS improved to be racing to the outside of GO BEAUTY GO and appeared to him to be travelling strongly. He said he maintained his position inside that horse after the 1300 Metres, however, he then became aware that ARCADA was improving its position from wider on the track. He added as he was aware that a sizeable margin had opened up behind GO BEAUTY GO, he elected to steady his mount to allow CALLING THE SHOTS to cross GO BEAUTY GO and shifted to the outside of that horse making the turn near the 900 Metres as instructed. When questioned, A Badel stated that he was asked to lead on ARCADA if possible as the horse had performed well when taking up a forward position in races overseas prior to being imported into Hong Kong. He said after beginning badly he allowed ARCADA to improve its position along the Back Straight to take up the lead passing the 1200 Metres. He said he did not have to ride the horse along to do this, rather it was able to improve its position of its own accord. He said ARCADA travelled too keenly in the middle stages and consequently did not finish off the race. He added he suggested to connections that they may wish to consider removing the blinkers from ARCADA in its future starts having regard to the fact that it would not settle in today’s race. A veterinary inspection of ARCADA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. HAPPY SEBRING, STARSHIP and KIRAM were sent for sampling.