21/05/2011  Shatin  Race 6

MERACUS was slow to begin. From a wide barrier, KEEN WONGCHOY was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Approaching the 700 Metres, TURF MAGIC commenced to over-race and was checked away from the heels of KING OF REASON. Approaching the 200 Metres, SWEET ORANGE raced tight between KING OF REASON and TIME AFTER TIME which shifted out. Also approaching the 200 Metres, M Chadwick (ROCKET PROUD) dropped his whip. M Chadwick was told the number of occasions on which he had dropped his whip during this season had come under notice and he should take steps to prevent this from occurring wherever possible. For some distance approaching the 100 Metres, BILLION GAINS was held up for clear running when racing in restricted room between BLAZING SADDLES which was giving ground and BONDI LAD which shifted out when also weakening. Throughout the race, SMART TOUCH travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, D Beadman stated that from the wide barrier he had been instructed to shift across behind runners on TIME AFTER TIME and ensure that he obtained cover. He said when ridden with cover in a midfield position at its most recent start, the horse finished off the race strongly. He added it had been hoped that TIME AFTER TIME may be able to obtain a position in midfield or slightly behind today. He said when shifting across behind runners, TIME AFTER TIME got its head up on a number of occasions and initially proved very difficult to settle. He added however that after obtaining a position with cover behind ROCKET PROUD and TURF MAGIC, TIME AFTER TIME then settled and when ridden in this manner was able to finish off its race. TIME AFTER TIME, KING OF REASON and KEEN WONGCHOY were sent for sampling.