17/12/2011  Shatin  Race 3

DIVINE KID was withdrawn on 16.12.11 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right hind) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter FULL STAR (M Chadwick). Before being allowed to race again, DIVINE KID will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. On arrival at the barriers, the Veterinary Officer reported that M’S MAGIC, which had been kicked by another runner when proceeding to the Start and sustained a cut on the inside of its right hind leg, was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of M’S MAGIC. Before being allowed to race again, M’S MAGIC will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. RACING SPORT was slow to begin. POLYMER POWER and TREASURE GLITTER made heavy contact at the start, resulting in both horses becoming badly unbalanced and causing TREASURE GLITTER to be taken out onto FANTASTISCH which was hampered. Shortly after the start, FULL STAR was crowded for room between MIGHTY FEELING and BROTHERS IN ARMS which shifted in. From wide barriers, WADASURPRISE, PRINCE OF SUNSHINE and MISTER HORSE were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 1500 Metres, FANTASTISCH got its head up when being shifted across behind TREASURE GLITTER to obtain cover. Near the 1400 Metres, RACING SPORT was steadied away from the heels of NICKU which shifted in. GRANDWAY FLYER, which was following, was checked away from the heels of RACING SPORT in consequence and lost ground. Near the 850 Metres, RACING SPORT was momentarily crowded for room between MIGHTY FEELING and POLYMER POWER. PRINCE OF SUNSHINE, which was following, lost ground when steadied away from the heels of RACING SPORT. MIGHTY FEELING was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight. Passing the 200 Metres, the whip of M Barzalona (BROTHERS IN ARMS) was knocked from his grasp by the whip of Apprentice M L Yeung (NICKU). FULL STAR was not able to obtain clear running over the final 100 Metres and consequently was not fully tested. Near the 50 Metres, FANTASTISCH was inconvenienced by MISTER HORSE which shifted in under pressure. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of POLYMER POWER, M Guyon stated that after the 900 Metres POLYMER POWER was left racing in a three wide position without cover. He said his mount travelled satisfactorily during the race, but came under pressure leaving the 600 Metres to maintain its position. He said he rode POLYMER POWER vigorously rounding the Home Turn to have it improve its position, however, despite being ridden along POLYMER POWER was most disappointing in the manner in which it weakened out of the race in the Straight. Trainer P F Yiu stated that although POLYMER POWER raced three wide and without cover in today’s race, he was nonetheless disappointed with the horse’s performance in that it came under pressure passing the 600 Metres. He did say that POLYMER POWER was racing over 1600 Metres for the first time today and given the manner in which it performed, he would find a suitable race to bring the horse back in distance as it had performed well at its most recent start over 1400 Metres. Mr Yiu added that POLYMER POWER had pleased him in the lead up to today’s race and a forward showing was anticipated. A veterinary inspection of POLYMER POWER after the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of GRANDWAY FLYER, Y T Cheng stated that his mount was obliged to race further back in the field than had been intended after it lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected and was slow to begin. He said after this GRANDWAY FLYER travelled only fairly during the race and when placed under pressure did not respond to his riding. He added that he was not able to offer any explanation for the horse’s disappointing performance. Y T Cheng was reminded of his obligation in respect of using the whip on horses which are out of contention. A veterinary inspection of GRANDWAY FLYER after the race did not show any significant findings. POLYMER POWER, NICKU and BEAUTIFUL CHOICE were sent for sampling.