05/11/2011  Shatin  Race 3

The start was delayed as CROESUS lost its left front plate on the way to the barriers. After being replated behind the barriers, CROESUS was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. On jumping, BEAUTY KING and CROESUS were crowded for room between TAKE BY STORM which shifted in and LIFELINE ELITE which, after initially shifting out when beginning awkwardly, was taken out by BEAR EXPRESS which also began awkwardly and shifted ground. DARK SECRET and VITAL SMART were slow to begin. YOUNG HAPPY was slow to begin and shortly after the start was steadied when crowded for room between BEAR EXPRESS and LONGWAH KID (T Angland) which got its head on the side and shifted out. In this incident, T Angland lost the use of his left iron. When attempting to regather the use of his left iron, T Angland dropped his whip near the 800 Metres. Approaching and passing the 600 Metres, BEAUTY KING was awkwardly placed close to the heels of JADE CHRISTY. After the 400 Metres, BEAR EXPRESS shifted in abruptly. After this, BEAR EXPRESS raced greenly and shifted ground on a number of occasions. Approaching the 50 Metres, SEIZE THE DAY was steadied away from the heels of CROESUS which shifted out when giving ground. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of CROESUS, D Whyte stated that it was anticipated that CROESUS would show good early speed as it had done in its only previous start in Hong Kong and in its trials. He said although CROESUS was crowded for room at the start, the horse did not show the natural early speed that was anticipated. He said throughout the race CROESUS travelled only fairly and came under pressure prior to the 400 Metres. He said after this CROESUS did not quicken and finished off the race only one-paced. A veterinary inspection of CROESUS after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, B Prebble stated that TAKE BY STORM was making an abnormal breathing noise. A veterinary inspection of TAKE BY STORM after the race did not show any significant findings other than a minor superficial abrasion inside the right hind cannon. A veterinary inspection of LONGWAH KID after the race did not show any significant findings. CROESUS, JADE CHRISTY and LIFELINE ELITE were sent for sampling.