06/03/2011  Shatin  Race 1

EPATANT knuckled over at the start. ASTROKID began awkwardly. EXCELLENT WIN was slow to begin and shortly after the start was steadied away from the heels of QUELLE SURPRISE which was taken in by MARVEL PLUS. Near the 1100 Metres, GAIN POWER was steadied away from the heels of MARVEL PLUS which shifted in. ASTROKID, which was following, was steadied away from the heels of GAIN POWER when proving difficult to settle. At the 500 Metres, REAL GENERAL was awkwardly placed close to the heels of GAIN POWER after attempting to shift to the outside of that horse and making contact with ASTROKID. Rounding the Home Turn, EXCELLENT WIN was bumped by EPATANT which was shifted to the outside of ASTROKID. Rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, THUNDER DANCING, which travelled wide and without cover for the majority of the race, got its head on the side and hung out. Approaching the 300 Metres, GIFT IS GIFT was severely checked away from the heels of KARBRIDGE when reluctant to shift to the outside of that horse. When questioned, Mr C S Shum, trainer of NAMJONG HUNTER, advised that after discussing the manner in which NAMJONG HUNTER should be ridden from barrier 12 with Z Purton prior to the race, it was decided that the horse should be ridden quietly. He said that it was felt that over the 1200 Metre distance of today’s race, NAMJONG HUNTER may be left racing wide and without cover in the early stages or that the horse would have to be made use of to lead. He said if either of these scenarios eventuated, in his opinion, NAMJONG HUNTER would not be able to finish off the race. He said therefore it was decided to ride NAMJONG HUNTER quietly in the early stages in the hope that the horse could finish off the race strongly. Mr Shum added that he was satisfied with the manner in which NAMJONG HUNTER responded to Jockey Purton’s riding in the early part of the Straight, but he was somewhat disappointed with the horse’s finishing effort over the final 200 Metres. He said for this reason he will consider adjusting the gear carried by NAMJONG HUNTER and stepping the horse up in distance at its next start if possible. A veterinary inspection of REAL GENERAL after the race did not show any significant findings. GIFT IS GIFT and MING HOI GLORY were sent for sampling.