01/07/2013  Shatin  Race 3

POWER BLITZ proved difficult to load and then began awkwardly. Before being allowed to race again, POWER BLITZ will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. As the start was effected, HANDSOME BATCHELOR lifted its front feet off the ground and began awkwardly. When attempted to be steadied approaching and passing the 1000 Metres, FUEL ME UP proved difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions. VERDANE was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight. Approaching the 200 Metres, SPURS ON momentarily raced in restricted room between FUEL ME UP and TRAVEL GUIDE, both of which were giving ground. Approaching the 100 Metres, SUPER HORSE was inconvenienced by KING HARADASUN which shifted out. Throughout the race, HANDSOME BATCHELOR travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, G Mossé (FLUKE) stated that, from barrier 11, he shifted his mount across behind runners in the early stages as instructed. He said after the 1400 Metres he attempted to shift FLUKE in behind KING HARADASUN, however, SUPER HORSE was ridden along at this time to improve to be racing behind KING HARADASUN and for this reason he was left racing in a four wide position outside SUPER HORSE. He said he attempted to gradually steady FLUKE to take up the position with cover behind SUPER HORSE, however, he was not able to steady the horse sufficiently by the first turn to obtain that position and consequently after the 900 Metres was left racing in a four wide position without cover. He added after the 700 Metres he attempted to shift FLUKE in behind SUPER HORSE, however, GOLDEN WIDE to his inside was shifted out to follow that horse and therefore he was not able to obtain cover at any stage of the race. He said in the Straight FLUKE weakened out of the race noticeably. G Mossé was advised that his ride on FLUKE on this occasion was not up to the standard expected of a senior jockey in Hong Kong. He was further advised that he must ride his mounts in a competitive manner at all times irrespective of circumstances so as to ensure that they are able to finish in the best possible position. A veterinary inspection of SPURS ON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SUPER HORSE and KING HARADASUN were sent for sampling.