01/04/2012  Shatin  Race 2

HERO AND GOLD was withdrawn on 31.3.12 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter NEWSWIRE TOO (Apprentice T H So). Before being allowed to race again, HERO AND GOLD will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. JUST GOOD began awkwardly. From wide barriers, NEWSWIRE TOO and POLYMER POWER were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. After the 1200 Metres, NEWSWIRE TOO got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of GENERAL DANROAD. Near the 1100 Metres, GLITTERING, which was proving difficult to settle, became unbalanced when momentarily crowded for room inside MEGA CASTLE which shifted in slightly. After the 1100 Metres, JUST GOOD was bumped and taken wider by FIERCE FORCE which in turn was bumped by VIVA DOLPHIN which shifted out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of EPEE DE HUA. After this, JUST GOOD and FIERCE FORCE were left racing wide and without cover. Approaching the 800 Metres, MEGA CASTLE proved difficult to settle and became unbalanced when awkwardly placed close to the heels of SPEEDY. After the 700 Metres, GLITTERING got its head on the side and hung out. Also after the 700 Metres, VIVA DOLPHIN got its head up on a number of occasions when awkwardly placed close to the heels of ALP’S GLORY. SURROUNDED, which was racing outside and behind VIVA DOLPHIN, was inconvenienced in consequence. After the 650 Metres, POLYMER POWER was momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of DUKE’S VICTORY. After the 400 Metres, SURROUNDED and DUKE’S VICTORY bumped. After passing the 300 Metres, GENERAL DANROAD had difficulty obtaining clear running until being shifted to the inside of runners passing the 200 Metres. Passing the 200 Metres, EPEE DE HUA, after being held up for clear running, was steadied when disappointed for running between SPEEDY and GORGEOUS LIFE which shifted out slightly. A veterinary inspection of VIVA DOLPHIN after the race did not show any significant findings. SPEEDY and GORGEOUS LIFE were sent for sampling.