26/02/2012  Shatin  Race 9

JUST FOLLOW ME shifted out at the start and hampered FOREST STAR RAINBOW FIGHTER was slow to begin. From the outside barrier, ENDURING was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. After being taken across behind runners from a wide barrier in the early stages, SYDNEY POWER proved difficult to settle approaching and passing the 1000 Metres. After the 1000 Metres, ABSOLUTE FANTASY was momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of HAPPY CERAMIBO. Making the turn near the 850 Metres, FIONN’S TREASURE was severely checked when crowded for room between SHAHJEE which was racing tight to the inside of GIFT IS GIFT and AEROSA which, after being bumped by JUST FOLLOW ME, then got its head on the side and shifted out. As there was no rider error associated with this incident, no further action was taken. After the 700 Metres, GREEN ZONE and FIONN’S TREASURE raced tight between MONEYMAKER and SHAHJEE. Near the 650 Metres, FIONN’S TREASURE was steadied away from the heels of GIFT IS GIFT. Near the 500 Metres, GREEN ZONE and FIONN’S TREASURE bumped on a number of occasions as FIONN’S TREASURE attempted to maintain its position inside SHAHJEE. GREEN ZONE had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight and near the 200 Metres was steadied when disappointed for a run between SHAHJEE which shifted in when giving ground and RAINBOW FIGHTER which shifted out slightly. Near the 350 Metres, ENDURING (T Clark) shifted out to obtain clear running and in doing so bumped SYDNEY POWER which became unbalanced. T Clark was advised to exercise more care when shifting ground in future. Passing the 300 Metres, ABSOLUTE FANTASY was shifted to the inside of RAINBOW FIGHTER to obtain clear running. Throughout the race, GIFT IS GIFT and SHAHJEE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of AEROSA, O Doleuze stated that the horse, which was wearing blinkers for the first time today, raced greenly throughout the race. He said making the first turn AEROSA shifted ground outwards and then in the early part of the Straight shifted in when GIFT IS GIFT improved to its outside. He said despite being ridden along AEROSA was reluctant to stretch out and was disappointing in the manner in which it gave ground in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of GIFT IS GIFT and AEROSA after the race did not show any significant findings. FIONN’S TREASURE, MONEYMAKER and HAPPY INDEX were sent for sampling.