09/10/2011  Shatin  Race 3

STAR OF CHIU TON was difficult to load. Before being allowed to race again, STAR OF CHIU TON will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. CHEERFUL DOUBLE began awkwardly and shortly after the start was steadied away from the heels of JOHNSON which shifted out. From a wide barrier, STAR OF CHIU TON was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. For some distance after the 1100 Metres, ZEZAO got its head up on a number of occasions when proving difficult to settle and then near the 900 Metres was awkwardly placed close to the heels of JOHNSON. Approaching and passing the 600 Metres, ZEZAO continued to prove difficult to settle when awkwardly placed close to the heels of BRIGHT SPIRITS. For this reason, ZEZAO was shifted out away from the heels of BRIGHT SPIRITS into a position four wide and without cover after the 600 Metres. In the middle stages and rounding the Home Turn, CARISSIMA got its head on the side and hung out. For some distance approaching the 400 Metres, HUMONGUS was held up when attempting a run between DR UNION and DIVINE KID where there was insufficient room. At the 400 Metres, GORGEOUS RULER shifted out and bumped JOHNSON. Throughout the race, BRIGHT SPIRITS travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of HAPPY EAGLE, Apprentice M L Yeung stated that his mount travelled very well in the early and middle stages and rounding the Home Turn he felt that the horse was going to finish off the race well. He said in the early part of the Straight he had difficulty obtaining clear running and then raced tight after the 400 Metres when obtaining a run between BRIGHT SPIRITS which was giving ground and CHEERFUL DOUBLE. He said when racing tight between these horses, HAPPY EAGLE was reluctant to go through the run and after this came off the bridle. He added that when ridden out, HAPPY EAGLE lay in and after racing tight in the early part of the Straight was disappointing in its failure to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of HAPPY EAGLE and FIERCE FORCE after the race did not show any significant findings. GORGEOUS RULER, HUMONGUS and ZEZAO were sent for sampling.