01/06/2008  Shatin  Race 6

When the gates opened, MASTER MASTER, which had been fractious in its stall, bounded in the air and lost ground. On jumping, NATURAL FATCHOY blundered badly. CLASSIC REUNION began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped GOLDEN TREASURE. At the 350 Metres, CONQUEROR was shifted wider to obtain clear running. At the 200 Metres, NATURAL FATCHOY, which was commencing to close the race off fairly, was steadied away from the heels of NEW ASIA FORWARD which when giving ground shifted in. At the 100 Metres, ISTIDE was checked when disappointed for running between GANBARIA and NATURAL FATCHOY which shifted in after being brushed by NEW ASIA FORWARD which continued to hang in while giving ground. In the circumstances, no action was taken. Throughout the race, GOLDEN TREASURE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, M Du Plessis (NEW ASIA FORWARD), which was stepping up in distance today, said it had been intended to ride the horse in about a midfield position if possible. He said NEW ASIA FORWARD began well from an awkward barrier and he shortly after the start decided to make some use of the horse to go forward and cross runners on his inside to avoid being caught wide. He said as a consequence NEW ASIA FORWARD travelled further forward than anticipated. He said at this stage of its career NEW ASIA FORWARD was not able to run out the distance of today’s race when being ridden in this manner and as a consequence gave ground in the Straight. D Beadman (ISTIDE) said the intention had been to ride the horse with cover. He said because of this on jumping he came across behind runners and then rode along, however, ISTIDE did not immediately muster speed. He said at the 1100 Metres ISTIDE commenced to over-race and bumped with NATURAL FATCHOY. He said he lost further ground making the turn at the 800 Metres when BITE MY DUST steadied in front of him. He said he commenced to ride along at the 600 Metres, ISTIDE did not respond as he thought it would. He said in the Straight when under pressure the horse made some ground, but did not quicken in the manner in which it was entitled to. He said over about the last 200 Metres ISTIDE was not able to obtain clear running and was then checked at the 100 Metres. He was not able to offer any explanation for the poor performance of the horse. B Prebble (MINGS’ HERO) said from the outside barrier it was thought too much use would have to be made of the horse to cross and race in the lead. He said it was therefore hoped that MINGS’ HERO would obtain a position around midfield with cover. He said after beginning well he initially rode MINGS’ HERO along to ensure the horse did not get too far back as in the past it has shown it does not possess natural early speed. He said approaching the 1000 Metres he shifted across to race behind and to the outside of CONQUEROR, however, when that horse remained racing in a three wide position MINGS’ HERO travelled wide and without cover behind midfield. He said at the 700 Metres he commenced to improve his position gradually around the field and in the Straight MINGS’ HERO whilst making ground did not quicken appreciably. He said in his opinion MINGS’ HERO raced somewhat “flat” today. ISTIDE and MINGS’ HERO were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of ISTIDE and MINGS’ HERO after the race did not show any significant findings. CHEEKY LAD and GOLDEN TREASURE were sent for sampling.