26/02/2012  Shatin  Race 6

On arrival at the Start, SOHNA had its tongue tie replaced. SUPER HORSE was slow to begin. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, SOLDIER failed to muster speed and consequently raced back in the field. At the 1200 Metres, THEHEROINMYHEART got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of SUPER GENTLEMAN. Near the 600 Metres, SMART FORTUNE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SOHNA. At the entrance to the Straight, SMART FORTUNE and NOTUS bumped as SMART FORTUNE shifted out into clear running. Near the 400 Metres, GRAND ELITE was momentarily held up for clear running. After the 400 Metres, EKRAAR EMPEROR and NEW ASIA RISING made contact on a number of occasions as EKRAAR EMPEROR shifted out from behind SOLAR BOY into clear running. At the 200 Metres, NEW ASIA RISING was steadied and shifted to the outside of SOHNA when crowded for room between that horse which shifted in and EKRAAR EMPEROR. THEHEROINMYHEART was not able to obtain clear running until near the 150 Metres. For the majority of the race, NOTUS travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. When questioned regarding the improved performance of SUPER HORSE, Trainer C W Chang stated that after the horse ran third on 9 October 2011, it was decided to step the horse up in distance on the All Weather Track as it had worked well on this surface. He said that after the horse disappointed in this race, it was decided to bring SUPER HORSE back to 1600 Metres on the turf. He said on this occasion the horse again disappointed when ridden in a forward position and for that reason it was decided to remove the blinkers from the horse’s gear and stepped the horse up in distance to 2200 Metres. He said once again SUPER HORSE performed disappointingly in this race. He added following this race, which was run on 27 December 2011, he decided to freshen up SUPER HORSE and bring it back in distance to today’s 1400 Metres. He said after being given a freshen up, SUPER HORSE’s work, with the blinkers reapplied, improved and based on this work, he advised the owners that he felt that the horse would perform well in today’s race. Mr Chang was advised that his explanation would be reported. He was also advised of the need for horses trained by him to perform consistently wherever possible. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of ZEZAO, D Whyte stated that, from barrier 11, it had been intended for the horse to be ridden quietly as it can prove difficult to settle in its races. He said prior to the start being effected ZEZAO became fractious and as the gates opened lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently was slow to begin. He said in the early stages he attempted to shift in to a position closer to the fence, however, THEHEROINMYHEART maintained its position one horse off the fence which left ZEZAO racing in a three wide position. He added from the early stages until rounding the Home Turn ZEZAO proved very difficult to settle and would not relax. He said because of the manner in which ZEZAO raced today, the horse was then not able to finish off the race in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of ZEZAO after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, ZEZAO will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of NOTUS after the race did not show any significant findings. ZEZAO, SUPER HORSE and GRAND ELITE were sent for sampling.