01/11/2009  Happy Valley  Race 6

MAJESTIC HEART began awkwardly and threw its head up on a number of occasions and as a consequence lost ground. ANTIPASTO was slow to begin. For some distance approaching the 600 Metres, MAJESTIC HEART raced tight inside WARM EMBRACES which was awkwardly placed inside the heels of FLORAL NIRVANA. Near the 200 Metres, KENOBE was steadied when crowded for room between FLORAL NIRVANA and SPEEDY WARRIOR which was shifted to the outside of LASKER which also shifted ground at this time. No further action was taken. WARM EMBRACES, which was following, was hampered in consequence. Throughout the race, LASKER travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, O Doleuze stated that it had been agreed between himself and Trainer C S Shum that FLORAL NIRVANA should not shift to the fence but rather race one off the fence throughout so that it would be able to improve its position from the 500 Metres. O Doleuze said that it was felt that should FLORAL NIRVANA shift to the fence, the horse may be held up and may not be able to improve its position at the relevant time. Mr Shum confirmed the evidence given by O Doleuze and stated that it was decided to race away from the fence to ensure as best as possible that FLORAL NIRVANA was afforded unimpeded running. When questioned regarding the improved performance of FORTUNE WINNER, Trainer P F Yiu stated that he had been satisfied with the horse’s last run which was only its second start in Hong Kong when it finished 3½ lengths behind SOVIET PEARL. He said that in his opinion FORTUNE WINNER benefited from the step up to 1800 Metres in today’s event. He said although FORTUNE WINNER had pleased him since its most recent run, he gave the horse a place chance at best today and he did not anticipate it being successful. When questioned regarding his riding of ANTIPASTO, D Beadman stated that the horse did not appreciate the firm track conditions today and in the early stages was reluctant to stretch out. He said he was obliged to continually niggle at ANTIPASTO in the early stages to have the horse travel including slapping it down the shoulder with the whip. He said passing the 600 Metres he commenced his move forward on ANTIPASTO as instructed due to the horse being one-paced and therefore would not be suited by a sprint home. He said ANTIPASTO was taken wider on the track when FLORAL NIRVANA shifted out to improve its position near the 500 Metres. He said he rode ANTIPASTO along with the whip rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, however, he was concerned with the horse’s action. He said he continued to place ANTIPASTO under pressure in the Straight, the horse made up some ground, but in his opinion did not feel comfortable in its action. The Stewards advised D Beadman that, where circumstances permit, he should properly test his mounts. A veterinary inspection of ANTIPASTO after the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, ANTIPASTO will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. NEW CHAPTER, FORTUNE WINNER and STRAWBERRY were sent for sampling.