23/09/2007  Shatin  Race 5

Just prior to the start being effected, ABLE STANDARD became fractious, lunged forward and as a consequence opened the front gates of its stall momentarily before the other gates. AURELIAN and CHINESE BOY BOY were slow to begin. From the outside barrier, VITAL PATROL was taken across behind runners. In the early stages, LAMBRO from a wide barrier was taken back to a position with cover. Also in the early stages, ONE TOUCH proved difficult to settle and after the 1200 Metres got its head up for some distance. Near the 1000 Metres, KENOBE was steadied away from the heels of KING OF SHAVER which itself was steadied away from the heels of GOOD VIEW SUCCESS. Approaching the 600 Metres, AURELIAN, which was racing keenly, was steadied away from the heels of CHINESE BOY BOY which at this time shifted out. As a result of AURELIAN being steadied, inconvenience was caused to KING OF SHAVER which was racing on its outside. After the 600 Metres, VITAL PATROL was steadied when disappointed for running between TOUCH DOWN and AURELIAN. Near the 400 Metres, GOOD VIEW SUCCESS was steadied and shifted to the outside of TRIUMPHANT GLORY into clear running. After the 200 Metres, Apprentice K T Yeung (BUCCANEER) dropped his whip. Over the concluding stages, VITAL PATROL, which was closing the race off strongly, was steadied when disappointed for running between ABLE STANDARD and RAIN CHECK. As a result of this, VITAL PATROL was not ridden out to the end of the race as it normally would be. Throughout the race, TRIUMPHANT GLORY travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, Apprentice H W Lai (AURELIAN) explained in the early part of the Straight his mount responded only fairly to his riding and passing the 300 Metres he shifted out in an endeavour to find clear running. After viewing the official videos, he acknowledged that there was always an opportunity for him to improve on the inside of ONE TOUCH at the time he was shifting out. Apprentice Lai was told he must be aware of runs which are available to him and take advantage of them to improve his position at crucial stages of the race. F Coetzee (KENOBE) was unable to offer an explanation for the poor performance of the horse. He said the work of KENOBE leading into today's race was in his opinion good. He said it is a horse which can sweat up badly both in the mornings and on racedays, however, today it did not do so. He said KENOBE began only fairly, then shortly afterwards lost ground when crowded for room between BUCCANEER and ONE TOUCH. He said he then rode the horse along, however, it travelled in a rearward position. He said making the Home Turn he followed LAMBRO, the winner of the race, and it was his intention to follow that horse as it quickened after straightening. He said despite his riding KENOBE did not quicken and failed to finish the race off as he had hoped. Mr A Schutz, trainer of KENOBE, was unable to offer any explanation for the performance of the horse. He said in his opinion on the strength of its work KENOBE was a good win or place chance in this race. He said KENOBE had not missed any work and had not been subjected to any health issues in the lead up to this race. KENOBE and ONE TOUCH were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of KENOBE and ONE TOUCH after the race did not show any significant findings. GOOD VIEW SUCCESS, LAMBRO and PICTURE PERFECT were sent for sampling.