21/04/2012  Shatin  Race 3

HONEY FORTUNE began awkwardly and was slow to begin. After initially being ridden along to make up ground, HONEY FORTUNE was taken across behind runners after the 1100 Metres. LUCKY TYCOON was crowded for room at the start between EL GRANDE and GALLANT MAMBO, both of which shifted ground. In this incident, EL GRANDE became unbalanced and a short distance later was steadied away from the heels of D DAY SUPER. Near the 700 Metres, EASYGOING got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of HINYUEN PALADIN (A Suborics) which shifted in when not sufficiently clear. HEARTLAND, which was following, was checked away from the heels of EASYGOING and shifted out in consequence. A Suborics was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances. After the 700 Metres, MY MEMORY proved difficult to settle and got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of D DAY SUPER. Near the 600 Metres, EASYGOING got its head up and proved very difficult to settle when being checked away from the heels of HINYUEN PALADIN. HEARTLAND, which was following, was shifted out away from the heels of that horse in consequence. Approaching the 50 Metres, DARPANA and HONEY FORTUNE bumped. Throughout the race, HINYUEN PALADIN travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of GRACYTOM, B Prebble stated that, from a wide barrier, he was able to obtain a good position in the early stages following O’HALO. He said making the first turn EL GRANDE shifted out and placed pressure on GRACYTOM which resulted in his mount becoming unbalanced and losing some ground. He said after this he rode GRACYTOM along to maintain its position to the outside of EL GRANDE and approaching the 400 Metres raced tight between that horse which shifted out and HINYUEN PALADIN. He said that at this time GRACYTOM was reluctant to maintain its position between those horses. He added that in the early part of the Straight GRACYTOM responded only fairly to his riding, however, over the concluding stages finished off the race satisfactorily. He said after the race he advised connections to consider stepping GRACYTOM up in distance as, in his opinion, the horse would be able to take up a more forward position and would travel better than it did in today’s race. A veterinary inspection of GRACYTOM after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that HONEY FORTUNE had sustained an abrasion wound to the right front cannon. GRACYTOM, GALLANT MAMBO and DARPANA were sent for sampling.