18/09/2010  Shatin  Race 2

MAKE IT began awkwardly and lost ground at the start. FORTUNE TOGETHER and LINKED WIN were slow to begin. For some distance passing the 1000 Metres, FORTUNE TOGETHER was checked away from the heels of CRISTAL MAGNUM. Also for some distance passing the 1000 Metres, SAME SAME proved difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions. Rounding the Home Turn and in the Straight, BE GRATEFUL got its head on the side, hung in and proved difficult to ride. Near the 50 Metres, CLASSA SUPREME, which was weakening, was steadied away from the heels of LINKED WIN which shifted in. Throughout the race, FAST INTENTIONS travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, Apprentice M L Yeung stated that after being slow to begin, he rode LINKED WIN along in the early stages in an endeavour to take up a forward position as instructed. He said after the 900 Metres he crossed to race to the outside of CLASSA SUPREME and although he was aware that that horse showed speed in its races, he felt that racing at Sha Tin LINKED WIN might have sufficient speed to cross CLASSA SUPREME. He said for this reason he continued to allow LINKED WIN to race in advance of CLASSA SUPREME until passing the 700 Metres at which time it became apparent to him that he would not be able to cross CLASSA SUPREME. He said it was at this time of the race that he steadied LINKED WIN to race outside and slightly behind CLASSA SUPREME. Apprentice Yeung was advised that, in the opinion of the Stewards, he should have been aware that LINKED WIN was not in a position to cross CLASSA SUPREME approaching the first turn without having to make too much use of that horse and that under those circumstances he should have steadied LINKED WIN far sooner than he did on this occasion. A veterinary inspection of SAME SAME after the race did not show any significant findings. CRISTAL MAGNUM and FAST INTENTIONS were sent for sampling.