10/12/2023  Shatin  Race 4

JUNKO (J816): Slow to begin. Sent for sampling post-race. SENOR TOBA (G103): For some distance near the 550 Metres raced tight between FIVE G PATCH and ZEFFIRO which shifted to the outside of GERALDINA to improve. After the 350 Metres was steadied and shifted to the inside of LEBENSSTIL to obtain clear running. ZEFFIRO (J817): Briefly held up for clear running near the 400 Metres. Sent for sampling post-race. FIVE G PATCH (G286): When questioned regarding his riding and the reason his mount raced wide and without cover for the majority of the event, A Badel stated that his instructions were to hold an on-pace position, preferably with cover but he was instructed not to take his mount back in the early stages. He said after travelling a short distance he had expected WARM HEART to stride to the lead and cross LA CITY BLANCHE which would have allowed him to obtain a position one-off. He said when WARM HEART remained racing to the outside of LA CITY BLANCHE, he then contemplated taking a trailing position behind LEBENSSTIL but was unable to do so due to the slow early pace. He added whilst he contemplated making a forward move in the early stages, as WARM HEART was travelling better than his mount and FIVE G PATCH was not travelling strongly, he felt he would have had to make too much use of his mount to do so and in addition FIVE G PATCH is not a horse that would appreciate being ridden in this manner. LA CITY BLANCHE (G371): Near the 250 Metres JUNKO (M Guyon) shifted in, causing ZEFFIRO to be taken in and crowded the running of GERALDINA, resulting in GERALDINA (W Buick) then shifting in and away from that runner and crowding LA CITY BLANCHE which was checked. M Guyon was reprimanded and advised that he should stop riding and straighten his mounts sooner than he did on this occasion as they shift ground when not clear. W Buick was advised to exercise more care and to ensure that he makes sufficient effort to straighten his mounts when they shift ground. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GERALDINA (H821): Jumped only fairly. Briefly crowded near the 250 Metres. LEBENSSTIL (J820): When questioned, J Moreira stated that LEBENSSTIL was able to obtain a favourable position behind WARM HEART in a slowly run event. He said from the 600 Metres LEBENSSTIL came under pressure when positioned behind WARM HEART and for this reason he elected to shift to the outside of WARM HEART to endeavour to have LEBENSSTIL improve into the race. He added that from that point LEBENSSTIL failed to respond to his riding, raced in a disappointing manner and he could offer no excuse for the horse’s poor performance. Trainer H Tanaka could offer no explanation for the disappointing performance of the horse. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Sent for sampling post-race. WARM HEART (J821): No report. WEST WIND BLOWS (J818): Withdrawn on 9.12.23 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (injury to left front leg).