01/05/2011  Shatin  Race 7

Approaching the 1200 Metres, FAT CHOY OOHLALA was checked away from the heels of IRON EAGLE, shifted in and hampered FREE JUDGEMENT. After the 1100 Metres, MR BOND was checked away from the heels of ADMIRATION. IRON EAGLE had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight and near the 300 Metres was shifted to the inside of the heels of HOT SHOT to obtain clear running. Over the concluding stages, IRON EAGLE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of HOT SHOT. Also over the concluding stages, MR BOND improved to be close to the heels of ADMIRATION. For this reason, MR BOND was not ridden out to the end of the race. For the majority of the race, JACKPOT DELIGHT travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of MILITARY MOVE, D Beadman stated that the horse shifted out abruptly at the start and then in the early stages was somewhat difficult to settle. He said that after the 1400 Metres MILITARY MOVE commenced to travel more kindly and he was satisfied with the manner in which the horse subsequently travelled during the race. He added that rounding the Home Turn he was following the eventual winner, FAT CHOY OOHLALA, however, when that horse sprinted, MILITARY MOVE did not show the same turn of foot and in the Straight finished off the race only one-paced. He said, in his opinion, MILITARY MOVE raced “flat” today. Trainer J Moore stated that MILITARY MOVE had pleased him in its track work in the lead up to today’s race and based on this work a forward showing was expected of the horse. He said he would assess the horse’s progress in the days subsequent to the race before deciding its immediate campaign. A veterinary inspection of MILITARY MOVE after the race did not show any significant findings. MILITARY MOVE, FAT CHOY OOHLALA and HOT SHOT were sent for sampling.