11/07/2021  Shatin  Race 9

FANTASY began only fairly and then lost ground shortly after the start when crowded for room between TRUST ME which shifted in and ELIGERE which was taken out by TELECOM JAC which was in turn taken out by SAUVESTRE which got its head on the side and shifted out despite the efforts of its rider. A short distance after the start, SHOUSON was eased away from the heels of LET’S DO IT when crowded for room between that horse and BIG BROOK which shifted out. From the outside barriers, FEARLESS FIRE and SUNSET WATCH were steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. From a wide barrier, LET’S DO IT was also steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. When being steadied, LET’S DO IT travelled keenly. Near the 1050 Metres, FANTASY was awkwardly placed between ELIGERE and DUBLIN STAR which lay in away from IMA SINGLE MAN. In this incident, FANTASY bumped the hindquarters of ELIGERE which became unbalanced. ELIGERE travelled very keenly after the 800 Metres and near the 750 Metres shifted out away from the heels of TRUST ME, resulting in DUBLIN STAR being inconvenienced. After the 600 Metres, FANTASY was awkwardly placed behind ELIGERE. Rounding the Home Turn, FEARLESS FIRE was awkwardly placed behind SHOUSON and at the entrance to the Straight was shifted out to obtain clear running. At the 400 Metres, TRUST ME was awkwardly placed close to the heels of IMA SINGLE MAN after being unable to improve into tight running between that horse and LOCKHEED. FEARLESS FIRE had some difficulty obtaining clear running near the 250 Metres and then passing the 200 Metres was steadied when crowded for room between LET’S DO IT which hung in and ELIGERE which got its head on the side and shifted out when giving ground. Passing the 200 Metres, SAUVESTRE was momentarily steadied when crowded for room inside TRUST ME which got its head on the side and lay in away from IMA SINGLE MAN. Throughout the race, LOCKHEED travelled wide and without cover. After the race, K Teetan reported that after shifting DUBLIN STAR to the outside of runners rounding the Home Turn to obtain clear running, his mount did not quicken as anticipated and then finished off the race only fairly. A veterinary inspection of DUBLIN STAR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned, C Schofield stated that after shifting LET’S DO IT out into clear running between BIG BROOK and SUNSET WATCH at the entrance to the Straight, LET’S DO IT immediately commenced to lay in, particularly when SUNSET WATCH improved around LET’S DO IT after the 400 Metres. He said at this time LET’S DO IT hung in towards the heels of BIG BROOK, resulting in him being very awkwardly placed behind that horse. He said LET’S DO IT was reluctant to shift to the outside of BIG BROOK and continued to lay in for the remainder of the race. When questioned, N Callan stated that it was intended for IMA SINGLE MAN to be ridden in about a midfield position today as it was at its last start. He said it was felt that the race would be run at a good tempo which would allow IMA SINGLE MAN to relax in midfield and finish off the race. He said unlike at a number of its previous starts, IMA SINGLE MAN began very well and shortly after the start he commenced to shift his mount across in an endeavour to obtain a position with cover. He said when a number of horses were ridden along to maintain their positions inside IMA SINGLE MAN, he allowed his mount to improve its position after the 1000 Metres to avoid covering unnecessary ground and to ensure that IMA SINGLE MAN did not get too far out of its ground in relation to the favourite DROPS OF GOD which was leading. He said this resulted in IMA SINGLE MAN racing more forward today than anticipated and his mount travelled strongly throughout the race and finished off the race well. A veterinary inspection of SAUVESTRE and ELIGERE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. DROPS OF GOD and IMA SINGLE MAN were sent for sampling.