19/02/2012  Shatin  Race 2

From the outside barrier, EPEE DE HUA was steadied at the start and shifted across behind runners. For a short distance after the start, PLANET raced in restricted room between STORM’S DESTINY and SUPER PEPPER which shifted in. FANTASTISCH got its head up on a number of occasions shortly after the start. For a short distance approaching the 1400 Metres, ROCKET AND GOLD got its head on the side when awkwardly placed close to the heels of PLANET. After the 900 Metres, PLOT RATIO was left racing wide and without cover. Rounding the Home Turn, SPARKLING was held up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of SUPER PEPPER which commenced to give ground. PLANET, which was following SPARKLING, was held up in consequence. Shortly after entering the Straight, when STORM’S DESTINY attempted to obtain a tight run between FANTASTISCH and ABLE DRAGON, it bumped ABLE DRAGON on a number of occasions as FANTASTISCH shifted out slightly under pressure. In this incident, ABLE DRAGON became unbalanced. Over the concluding stages, PLOT RATIO raced in restricted room between ICE FIRE and ABLE DRAGON. Throughout the race, M’S MAGIC travelled wide and without cover. After the race, M L Yeung (SUPER PEPPER) stated that his horse travelled well behind the leader until the 600 Metres. He said at this time SUPER PEPPER came under pressure and did not respond to his riding from that point. A veterinary inspection of GREAT HERO after the race revealed that the horse was lame in the right front leg. Before being allowed to race again, GREAT HERO will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of SUPER PEPPER and SPARKLING after the race did not show any significant findings. ABLE DRAGON and FANTASTISCH were sent for sampling.