01/09/2019  Shatin  Race 8

From the outside barrier, PERFECT GLORY was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. MORETHANLUCKY took some time to muster speed in the early stages. Making the turns after the 800 Metres and particularly rounding the Home Turn, BUTTERFIELD got its head on the side and lay out. At the entrance to the Straight, FAST MOST FURIOUS was shifted out abruptly away from the heels of BUTTERFIELD. When questioned regarding the performance of KING OPIE, G van Niekerk stated that it was intended for the horse to settle where it was comfortable. He said after obtaining a position in about midfield, KING OPIE did not travel well at any stage of the race and rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight did not improve into the race as it had on previous occasions when ridden by him. He said, despite being placed under pressure in the Straight, KING OPIE finished off the race only fairly and he was not able to offer any explanation for the horse’s disappointing performance. He added he suggested to connections that they consider stepping KING OPIE up in distance as the horse had performed well at that distance towards the end of last season. A veterinary inspection of KING OPIE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of EASY GO EASY WIN, Z Purton stated that he gave the horse a good trot up on the way to and behind the barriers as it did not feel entirely free in its action. He said after being warmed up, EASY GO EASY WIN appeared to trot more comfortably and for this reason he was satisfied for the horse to take its place in the race. He said EASY GO EASY WIN hung out for the majority of the race and in particular when KING OPIE commenced to shift ground on the inside of EASY GO EASY WIN after the 600 Metres. He said he placed EASY GO EASY WIN under pressure with the whip in the left hand, however, the horse continued to hang out until the conclusion of the race. He added EASY GO EASY WIN made a number of abnormal breathing noises throughout the race which indicated to him that the horse may have an issue. The performance of EASY GO EASY WIN, favourite for today’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, EASY GO EASY WIN will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial around a bend and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of EASY GO EASY WIN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of MORETHANLUCKY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. EASY GO EASY WIN, GOLD CHEST and FAST MOST FURIOUS were sent for sampling.