01/07/2014  Shatin  Race 10

LUCKY OMENS was slow to begin. As the start was effected, AMBITIOUS CHAMPION lifted its front feet off the ground, began awkwardly and shifted out towards the heels of TODOS CON SUERTE and consequently lost ground. From wide barriers, BACKBENCH BLUES and NOBLE DE MAN were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After the 1100 Metres, JAMESINA was left racing wide and without cover. Passing the 900 Metres, AMBITIOUS CHAMPION was crowded for room between ADMIRAL LORD and BEST SHOW which shifted out when proving difficult to settle and awkwardly placed close to the heels of HARBOUR MASTER. In this incident, AMBITIOUS CHAMPION bumped the hindquarters of ADMIRAL LORD which became unbalanced. Approaching the 500 Metres, AMBITIOUS CHAMPION was steadied away from the heels of HOLMES LEGEND. Rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, MEDALLIST was held up for clear running. BACKBENCH BLUES had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Passing the 300 Metres, BEST SHOW was shifted out away from the heels of AMBITIOUS CHAMPION into clear running. Passing the 200 Metres, AMBITIOUS CHAMPION was checked when disappointed for running between ADMIRAL LORD and JAMESINA (Apprentice C Y Lui) which shifted out. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that AMBITIOUS CHAMPION had not established running between horses prior to JAMESINA shifting out, nonetheless Apprentice Lui was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he makes every endeavour to keep his mounts on a straight course. Over the concluding stages, C Y Ho (BEST SHOW) dropped his right rein. Also over the concluding stages, RED DANCER was awkwardly placed close to the heels of JAMESINA. Because of this, RED DANCER was not able to be ridden out all the way to the end of the race. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of MALAYAN PEARL, H W Lai stated that his mount did not travel well when racing inside TODOS CON SUERTE. He said he had been asked to lead on MALAYAN PEARL and for that reason he was reluctant to allow TODOS CON SUERTE to cross MALAYAN PEARL in the early and middle stages. He said rounding the Home Turn MALAYAN PEARL came under heavy pressure and on a number of occasions in the Straight became unbalanced in its action. He added he was not able to offer any reason for MALAYAN PEARL’s disappointing performance. A veterinary inspection of MALAYAN PEARL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. HARBOUR MASTER and HOLMES LEGEND were sent for sampling.