16/04/2016  Shatin  Race 4

BORN TO RACE bounded in the air at the start. From the outside barriers, ROYAL SPIRIT and WINNING TALENT were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. For some distance approaching the first turn, MODERN FORTUNE commenced to prove very difficult to settle and after the 800 Metres was checked away from the heels of REAL FIT. FABIO, which was following, was severely checked away from the heels of MODERN FORTUNE and shifted out abruptly, resulting in EASY SUCCESS and BORN TO RACE being badly hampered and taken wider and WINNING TALENT, which was following EASY SUCCESS, also being hampered in consequence and taken wider. After this, BORN TO RACE travelled wide and without cover. In the early part of the Straight, BORN TO RACE raced with its head on the side and hung in. Throughout the race, FINE ROCK travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, Z Purton stated that he had not been under any specific instructions on how PLANET GIANT should be ridden. He said since being elevated into Class 4, PLANET GIANT had struggled to finish off its races and he was asked to ride the horse in such a manner so as to ensure that it was given every opportunity to close off the race. He said after beginning well he allowed PLANET GIANT to be racing where it was comfortable. He said he was reluctant to ride his mount along in the early stages to take up a more forward position as he believed that riding the horse a little more conservatively would allow it the best opportunity to finish off the race. He added he was able to obtain a position on the rail in advance of midfield and in the Straight PLANET GIANT then finished off the race satisfactorily. A veterinary inspection of BORN TO RACE and EASY SUCCESS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. RESPECT and MODERN FORTUNE were sent for sampling.