23/03/2014  Shatin  Race 10

IMPERIAL ROME stood flat-footed as the start was effected and lost a considerable amount of ground. Before being allowed to race again, IMPERIAL ROME will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. DEEP THINKER began awkwardly. From wide barriers, TAKE TO THE LIMIT and SEA DIAMOND were taken across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 1650 Metres, IMPERIAL ROME was momentarily crowded for room inside MAJESTIC FALCON. Passing the 800 Metres, MAJESTIC FALCON was steadied away from the heels of DEEP THINKER which was awkwardly placed close to the heels of IT HAS TO BE YOU. Near the 350 Metres, BULLISH FRIEND became unbalanced after shifting out and bumping REAL SUPREME which was hampered when giving ground. Passing the 300 Metres, GALAXY PRANCER raced in restricted room between MAJESTIC FALCON and IT HAS TO BE YOU which shifted out. SEA DIAMOND lost its left front plate near the 250 Metres. Over the final 100 Metres, DEEP THINKER got its head on the side and lay in under pressure. When questioned, M Chadwick (HARD BALL GET) stated that it was expected that BULLISH FRIEND and REAL SUPREME would lead the field and that HARD BALL GET, which was carrying bottom weight today, would be able to take up a trailing position behind those horses. He said he was able to obtain a forward position on HARD BALL GET in the early stages with relative ease and he steadied his mount to allow REAL SUPREME to cross. He said HARD BALL GET commenced to race keenly and when REAL SUPREME did not continue on, he was left racing between BULLISH FRIEND and REAL SUPREME. He said as REAL SUPREME is known to him to lay in during races, he felt that it was in the best interests of HARD BALL GET to allow it to continue into the lead on the rail rather than risk being awkwardly positioned inside REAL SUPREME. He added he did not have to ride his mount along to clear BULLISH FRIEND on the fence but rather he just allowed it to stride on into the lead. A veterinary inspection of SEA DIAMOND immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FLASH KNIGHT and DUNDONNELL were sent for sampling.