27/11/2011  Shatin  Race 6

EUPHEMISM was checked at the start when crowded for room between NICHOLSON and SUNNY MORE which shifted out. From wide barriers, DIVIDEND CHAMPION and THE ONLY KID were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Approaching the 1200 Metres, ALP’S GLORY was left racing wide and without cover. Near the 900 Metres, NICHOLSON and GOOD THINKER bumped. SUNNY MORE had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Near the 300 Metres, HAPPY SCORE was checked when disappointed for running between ALP’S GLORY and BULLISH POWER which shifted out when commencing to give ground. THE ONLY KID, which was following, was checked in consequence. After this, HAPPY SCORE was held up for clear running behind BULLISH POWER which continued to give ground. When questioned, Z Purton (KINGSTON SPARTACUS) advised that he was instructed to ride that horse in a similar position to its most recent start when successful, that being behind the speed. He said he rode his mount along in the early stages from barrier 5 to obtain a forward position as instructed, however, KINGSTON SPARTACUS did not show the early speed that it did at its most recent start. He said despite being ridden along in the early stages, KINGSTON SPARTACUS got further out of its ground than had been intended. He said because of this, near the 1400 Metres, he attempted to shift KINGSTON SPARTACUS in behind NICHOLSON and obtain a position one horse off the fence with cover, however he was unable to achieve this due to EUPHEMISM improving its position to its inside. He said at all times in the early and middle stages he was obliged to continually ride KINGSTON SPARTACUS along in an attempt to have the horse improve its position, however, the horse raced well back in the field. He added rounding the Home Turn DIVIDEND CHAMPION was able to improve its position to his outside despite him riding KINGSTON SPARTACUS along to obtain a position to the outside of EASY GOLD. He said in the Straight KINGSTON SPARTACUS finished off the race only fairly and, in his opinion, was disappointing. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of BULLISH POWER, G Mossé stated that after being instructed to obtain a forward position, he rode his mount along in the early stages to cross runners to his inside. He said as he formed the view that TRAVEL GUIDE was intent on leading, after the 1400 Metres he allowed that horse to cross BULLISH POWER before improving to the outside of that horse passing the 1200 Metres. He said BULLISH POWER travelled satisfactorily during the race until rounding the Home Turn at which time the horse got its head on the side and commenced to hang out. He said when placed under pressure in the early part of the Straight, BULLISH POWER continued to hang out badly and due to the manner in which the horse was racing, he was not able to continue to ride it out in the Straight. He added irrespective of this, BULLISH POWER was giving ground abruptly and in the Straight was most disappointing in respect of both its racing manners and the manner in which it weakened out of the race. A veterinary inspection of BULLISH POWER after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of BULLISH POWER was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, BULLISH POWER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial around a bend and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that THE ONLY KID had lost its right front plate. Following the race, the Veterinary Surgeon reported that HAPPY SCORE was lame in the right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, HAPPY SCORE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of GOOD THINKER after the race did not show any significant findings. DIVIDEND CHAMPION, NICHOLSON and CONNOISSEUR’S PICK were sent for sampling.