28/10/2012  Shatin  Race 9

MILITARY ATTACK was slow to begin. GLORIOUS DAYS began very awkwardly. Shortly after the start, GLORIOUS DAYS raced in restricted room inside ADMIRATION which shifted in marginally. Also shortly after the start, HELENE SPIRIT was steadied away from the heels of AMBITIOUS DRAGON which shifted out slightly. From the outside barrier, DESTINED FOR GLORY was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. MILITARY ATTACK had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Passing the 100 Metres, G Mossé (ZAIDAN) dropped his whip. When questioned, T Angland stated that he had been instructed to be positive on PURE CHAMPION in the early stages and obtain a position behind the speed if possible. He said it was felt that there was not much pace in the race and that PURE CHAMPION, which had previously gone forward in its races, would be able to obtain a forward position without having too much use made of it. He said he rode PURE CHAMPION along in the early stages, however, ADMIRATION and MIGHTY HIGH were ridden along to improve their positions underneath PURE CHAMPION and as he had committed to lead, he felt that it was not available for him to then steady PURE CHAMPION and attempt to obtain a position behind MIGHTY HIGH. He said for this reason he continued forward on PURE CHAMPION. He added after shifting in to race outside ADMIRATION, that horse was steadied by its rider and as PURE CHAMPION was racing in advance of ADMIRATION, he elected to press on and lead. AMBITIOUS DRAGON and GLORIOUS DAYS were sent for sampling.