25/01/2012  Shatin  Race 8

ZAIDAN proved difficult to load. As ZAIDAN had performed similarly at its most recent start, the Stewards ruled that ZAIDAN will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial before being allowed to race again. When questioned, J Lloyd (CAPTAIN SWEET) stated that whilst it was available to him to race on the rail in the early stages, it was always his intention to remain racing one horse off the fence so as to provide him with the option of shifting out at the appropriate time. He said he felt that if he had shifted to race on the rail, CAPITAL SWEET may be blocked for clear running. He said at the 1200 Metres the pace of the race slowed and at this time CAPTAIN SWEET proved difficult to settle and got its head up for some distance. He said after this CAPTAIN SWEET continued to prove difficult to settle and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SMART GIANT for some distance. When CAPTAIN SWEET proved difficult to settle after the 1200 Metres, FAY FAY, which was following, shifted out away from the heels of that horse, resulting in SWEET ORANGE being taken wider. SWEET ORANGE then travelled wide and without cover for the remainder of the event. After the 1200 Metres, PACKING TYCOON got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of ZAIDAN. LONGWAH SUPREME over-raced and proved difficult to settle in the early and middle stages. After the race, D Beadman (SMART GIANT) reported that in the early stages his saddle shifted back and then near the 1400 Metres rolled to the right side, placing him at a disadvantage in the early and middle stages. A veterinary inspection of LONGWAH SUPREME after the race showed blood at the horse’s left nostril. An endoscopic examination of LONGWAH SUPREME did not reveal any blood in the trachea and accordingly LONGWAH SUPREME was not deemed to have bled. SWEET ORANGE and FAY FAY were sent for sampling.