19/02/2012  Shatin  Race 7

SURE CHAMP was severely checked at the start when crowded for room between NORTH HILL and CAI BAO IN which was taken out by HEAR THE ROAR which shifted out abruptly despite the efforts of its rider. In this incident, SURE CHAMP bumped the hindquarters of NORTH HILL, causing that horse to become badly unbalanced. A short distance later, NORTH HILL, which continued to be unbalanced, was steadied away from the heels of RICH TAPESTRY which shifted in after being brushed by AOMEN. Near the 1100 Metres, AOMEN commenced to prove difficult to settle and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of CHARMGOLD. Making the turn near the 850 Metres, AMITYSHIP got its head up when reluctant to maintain its position inside CHARMGOLD. At the 600 Metres, AMITYSHIP became unbalanced and lost ground when crowded for room inside AOMEN which itself was racing tight inside WRATH OF FIRE (G Mossé). HEAR THE ROAR, which was following, was checked away from the heels of AMITYSHIP in consequence. G Mossé was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he leaves comfortable racing room for runners to his inside in similar circumstances. After this, AMITYSHIP commenced to give ground abruptly, resulting in HEAR THE ROAR being taken back through the field. As HEAR THE ROAR shifted to the outside of AMITYSHIP, it made contact with CAI BAO IN on a number of occasions, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. After the 400 Metres, CHARMGOLD was steadied away from the heels of RICH TAPESTRY when disappointed for running inside that horse. Then near the 200 Metres, CHARMGOLD was steadied and shifted out away from the heels of RICH TAPESTRY. In the Straight, AOMEN hung in. When questioned, M Chadwick (OPEN SESAME) stated that he had been instructed to attempt to find a position with cover wherever the horse was comfortable. He said in the early stages OPEN SESAME was left racing wide and without cover and as he was of the view that he would have had to heavily restrain OPEN SESAME to obtain a position with cover, he elected to allow the horse to stride forward to race with the leaders rather than continue to race wide and without cover. AOMEN, WRATH OF FIRE and SAME WORLD were sent for sampling.