04/11/2012  Shatin  Race 3

After being loaded, TAYSIDE became fractious and momentarily got its right hind leg on the platform. TAYSIDE was removed from the stalls and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. Before being allowed to race again, TAYSIDE will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. ALL LUCKY began awkwardly, shifted out and in doing so made contact with DIAMOND KNIGHT which became unbalanced. GREAT ALEXANDER was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, EXPEDITE was steadied when crowded for room between INVINCIBLE HEART and TEAM WORK which was taken out by WELL FIT. When questioned regarding the performance of GREAT ALEXANDER, which was having its first race start today, B Prebble stated that unlike in its trial, GREAT ALEXANDER was hesitant to begin after standing in the barriers for some time whilst TAYSIDE underwent a veterinary examination. He said because of the manner in which GREAT ALEXANDER began, he had to make some use of the horse in the early and middle stages to have it obtain a more forward position. He said whilst over the concluding stages GREAT ALEXANDER weakened on its run, he believed that the horse’s performance today could be attributed to the manner in which it began. A veterinary inspection of GREAT ALEXANDER after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of TAYSIDE after the race did not show any significant findings other than the horse had sustained a minor abrasion to the right hock. GREAT ALEXANDER, JUN DAO and NIGHTLIGN were sent for sampling.