19/02/2012  Shatin  Race 10

FLASH KNIGHT and JIMSON THE BEST were crowded for room at the start between RACING HERO and TAKEANOTHERCHANCE which shifted out. From wide barriers, BLESSING and WINNING APEX were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. For the majority of the race, REAL SPECIALIST and RACING HERO travelled wide and without cover. Over the final 150 Metres, BLESSING was unable to obtain clear running and because of this was not properly tested. When questioned, D Whyte stated that after the 200 Metres when being ridden out with the whip in his left hand, REAL SPECIALIST shifted in under pressure towards FLASH KNIGHT. He said for this reason he changed his whip into his right hand passing the 150 Metres. He said however that prior to using the whip in this hand, REAL SPECIALIST shifted out abruptly near the 100 Metres, resulting in him becoming unbalanced in the saddle. He said because of this he was obliged to stop riding and straighten REAL SPECIALIST. He added after this REAL SPECIALIST continued to shift out over the concluding stages. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of FLASH KNIGHT, D Oliver stated that his mount travelled well until rounding the Home Turn at which time he felt that the horse was going to finish off the race well. He said however that FLASH KNIGHT immediately came under pressure and did not show any turn of foot. He said after this FLASH KNIGHT was disappointing in the manner in which it failed to finish off the race. He did say that he recommended to connections to consider adding blinkers to the horse’s gear in future. A veterinary inspection of FLASH KNIGHT after the race did not show any significant findings. SHINY DAY and REAL SPECIALIST were sent for sampling.