27/03/2011  Shatin  Race 3

When parading behind the barriers, BEST SCORER proved fractious and reared on a number of occasions which resulted in B Doyle, its rider, being dislodged. BEST SCORER then proceeded riderless to the top of the 1800 Metre chute. BEST SCORER was returned to the Start where it was noted that the horse had lost its left front plate. After being replated, BEST SCORER was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. Before being allowed to race again, BEST SCORER will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. ASTROKID was slow to begin. MEGABUCKS shifted out at the start and bumped EASY AHEAD which became unbalanced. EASY AHEAD was then ridden along to obtain a forward position, however, failed to muster speed and consequently raced further back in the field than is usual. Shortly after the start, BENEFACTOR raced in restricted room between FAIRY BOY and PANNA. From a wide barrier, CLASSIC FIGURE was taken across behind runners shortly after the start and then after the 1000 Metres got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of EASY AHEAD. After the 1000 Metres, FAIRY BOY got its head up and proved difficult to settle. Passing the 800 Metres, EASY AHEAD commenced to over-race and was steadied away from the heels of PEPPERMINT. Approaching the 700 Metres, PEPPERMINT got its head on the side and hung out. PEPPERMINT then continued to hang out until after straightening. Near the 300 Metres, ASTROKID was checked when crowded for room between PANNA which initially shifted in when racing greenly and MEGABUCKS which, when shifting to the outside of EKRAAR EMPEROR, was taken out slightly by that horse. As the Stewards formed the view that there was no rider error involved in this incident, no further action was taken. Passing the 200 Metres, CLASSIC FIGURE was checked when held up for clear running behind ASMODAI and EKRAAR EMPEROR. Then near the 100 Metres, CLASSIC FIGURE was again checked when obtaining a narrow run between EKRAAR EMPEROR and ASMODAI which shifted out slightly when giving ground. In this incident, CLASSIC FIGURE bumped EKRAAR EMPEROR which as a result became unbalanced. In the Straight, FIERCE hung in and proved difficult to ride. For the majority of the race, BENEFACTOR and BEST SCORER travelled wide and without cover. M W Leung (EASY AHEAD) and W M Lai (ASTROKID) were reprimanded for raising their whip arm above the height of their shoulders. Both M W Leung and W M Lai had been previously spoken to by the Stewards in respect of this matter. SCARLET CAMELLIA and FORTUNE GENERAL were sent for sampling.