28/11/2010  Shatin  Race 9

YUMMY SPIRITS was withdrawn on raceday morning by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore). Before being allowed to race again, YUMMY SPIRITS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. ENHANCED was slow to begin. In the early and middle stages, EL MORRO proved difficult to settle. Near the 400 Metres, CALIFORNIA MEMORY was steadied and shifted to the inside of the heels of BLAZE KING which was giving ground. From on straightening until after the 300 Metres, LONDON CHINA TOWN had difficulty obtaining clear running. Passing the 200 Metres, LONDON CHINA TOWN was steadied when disappointed for running between BERIO and HIGH POINT. After this, LONDON CHINA TOWN was not able to obtain clear running until the concluding stages and because of this was not properly tested. Throughout the race, BLAZE KING travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of AASHIQ, Apprentice C Y Ho stated that the horse changed lead legs on a number of occasions during today’s race. He said he rode AASHIQ patiently in the early part of the Straight, however, when asked for an effort near the 300 Metres, AASHIQ’s sprint was short-lived and the horse came under heavy pressure near the 200 Metres. He said over the concluding stages AASHIQ was most disappointing in its failure to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of AASHIQ and EL MORRO the race did not show any significant findings. AASHIQ, HIGH POINT and SOARING DRAGON were sent for sampling.