27/04/2008  Shatin  Race 1

When being saddled, MEDALLION became fractious and as a result cast its right front plate. MEDALLION was replated and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. While parading behind the barriers, GOOD TIME CHARLIE became fractious, slipped and fell, resulting in G Mossé, its rider, being dislodged. After cantering a short distance, GOOD TIME CHARLIE was recaptured and returned to the Start where it was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. G Mossé was uninjured. MEDALLION and LIONS’ FORTUNE were slow to begin. GRAND GENERAL began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped CHEEKY LAD. GOOD TIME CHARLIE began awkwardly and lost ground. From a wide barrier in the early stages, GOLDEN TREASURE was taken across behind runners. In the early stages, GRAND GENERAL proved difficult to settle, at the 900 Metres was steadied away from the heels of BROTHERS IN ARMS, then at the 800 Metres was steadied when awkwardly placed inside MOSHI MOSHI which shifted in momentarily. Near the 800 Metres, CHEEKY LAD was unable to maintain its position when awkwardly placed between GOOD TIME CHARLIE and GOLDEN TREASURE. Approaching the turn at the 800 Metres, GOOD TIME CHARLIE commenced to over-race, proved difficult to settle and at the 700 Metres was checked away from the heels of SUPERNOVA which at this time was steadied when awkwardly placed inside the heels of SILVER BLAZE. SUPERNOVA made the turn at the 800 Metres awkwardly and hung out. In the middle stages, MEDALLION hung out. Over the concluding stages, LIONS’ FORTUNE hung in. Throughout the race, VIENTO travelled wide and without cover. G Boss (BROTHERS IN ARMS) explained he had intended to ride the horse slightly forward of midfield in a position with cover if possible. He said BROTHERS IN ARMS began well, he immediately commenced looking to his inside in an endeavour to obtain his intended position, however, a number of runners held their ground to his inside and as a consequence approaching the turn at the 800 Metres he was left racing wide and without cover, he therefore allowed BROTHERS IN ARMS to continue forward and cross to race outside the lead. He said when he did this making the turn at the 800 Metres BROTHERS IN ARMS commenced to hang out, travelled keenly and would not relax. He said BROTHERS IN ARMS continued to hang out for the remainder of the race and proved very difficult for him to ride out in the Straight. He said in his opinion BROTHERS IN ARMS at this stage of its career would be better suited when ridden in a position with cover. GOAL KEEPER and SILVER BLAZE were sent for sampling.