13/12/2015  Shatin  Race 8

GAILO CHOP was withdrawn on raceday morning by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right hind). CRITERION and SATONO ALADDIN bumped at the start. Both CRITERION and SATONO ALADDIN were shifted across behind runners after this. LUCIA VALENTINA was crowded for room shortly after the start between FREE PORT LUX which shifted out after being bumped by NUOVO RECORD and DESIGNS ON ROME which was taken in by DAN EXCEL. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, CRITERION was awkwardly placed close to the heels of FREE PORT LUX. After the 1600 Metres, STAPHANOS was left racing wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of FREE EAGLE, P Smullen stated that in a fast run race his mount travelled well and rounding the Home Turn he expected FREE EAGLE to close off well. He said however that upon straightening FREE EAGLE immediately came under pressure and despite being ridden out did not quicken. He said over the last 200 Metres FREE EAGLE's action shortened noticeably and he felt the horse raced "flat". A veterinary inspection of FREE EAGLE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, C Williams stated that he was unable to offer any explanation for the disappointing performance of CRITERION. He said the horse came under pressure as far out as the 1000 Metres and did not respond to his riding at any stage thereafter. A veterinary inspection of CRITERION immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of STAPHANOS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. DESIGNS ON ROME, A SHIN HIKARI and NUOVO RECORD were sent for sampling.