09/06/2010  Happy Valley  Race 6

At the start, BESPOKE MASTER shifted out and bumped PERFECT FIT which at this time got its head on the side and shifted in. A short distance later, BESPOKE MASTER and PERFECT FIT again bumped as a result of BESPOKE MASTER shifting out. In this incident, BESPOKE MASTER became unbalanced. Making the turn after the 1000 Metres, STAR OF FAME got its head on the side and shifted out away from the heels of GOLDEN BAUHINIA, resulting in BESPOKE MASTER being hampered. Near the 600 Metres, TURF MAGIC was checked away from the heels of NOVEL WINNING. Near the 400 Metres, JUN DAO was awkwardly placed close to the heels of KING ENCOSTA. Throughout the race, PERFECT FIT travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, D Whyte stated that it had been intended for MASTER RIO to be ridden in about 2nd, 3rd or 4th position. He said accordingly he was positive on MASTER RIO in the early stages of the race, however, PERFECT FIT was hard ridden to his inside and shortly after the start he observed a number of runners being ridden into forward positions inside that horse. He said therefore he elected near the 1100 Metres to shift MASTER RIO in behind runners and obtain a position with cover. He added, when ridden in this manner, MASTER RIO was able to finish off the race well. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of BESPOKE MASTER, B Prebble stated that shortly after the start his mount became unbalanced when it made contact with PERFECT FIT. He said after this he shifted BESPOKE MASTER across behind runners, however, was taken into a three wide position on entering the Back Straight when STAR OF FAME shifted out. He said although BESPOKE MASTER was obliged to race three wide, the horse at all times had cover behind PERFECT FIT. He said BESPOKE MASTER travelled only fairly in the run and when placed under pressure in the Straight raced greenly and hung out as it did at its most recent start. He added BESPOKE MASTER appeared to him to be unbalanced in the Straight and consequently did not finish off the race. Acting on an assurance from Mr C H Yip, the trainer of BESPOKE MASTER, that he did not intend to race the horse again this season, no further action was taken. A veterinary inspection of GOLDEN BAUHINIA and BESPOKE MASTER after the race did not show any significant findings. TOPPING LIGHT, TURF MAGIC and STAR OF FAME were sent for sampling.