01/04/2012  Shatin  Race 5

MEGA CHAMPION was withdrawn on 31.3.12 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (substantial amount of mucus in trachea on scoping after track work) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter SUNNY MORE (J McDonald). Before being allowed to race again, MEGA CHAMPION will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After being loaded, SMART FORTUNE became fractious. Before being allowed to race again, SMART FORTUNE will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. GOOD HONG KONG began awkwardly. From wide barriers, SUNNY MORE and TRAVEL GUIDE were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Making the first turn near the 850 Metres, THE FAST LANE shifted out away from the heels of GOOD HONG KONG of its own accord and in doing so struck the heels of IMPECCABLE and blundered badly. TRAVEL GUIDE, which was following, was checked away from the heels of THE FAST LANE in consequence. THE FAST LANE had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Near the 150 Metres, THE FAST LANE raced in restricted room between IMPECCABLE and GIANTS SERAPIS which shifted in. Over the concluding stages, THE FAST LANE raced tight between GOOD HONG KONG and GIANTS SERAPIS. Because of this, THE FAST LANE was not able to be ridden out to the end of the race as it otherwise would be. For the majority of the race, WHITE HART KING travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, G Mossé stated that with IMPECCABLE stepping up to 1400 Metres for only the second time in Hong Kong and with the horse carrying top weight in today’s race, it was decided that if use was made of the horse to race in a forward position as is usual, it would not be able to see out the distance and consequently would not finish off its race. He said it was therefore decided that IMPECCABLE should be ridden in about a midfield position with cover if possible. He said after beginning well, he shifted IMPECCABLE across to a position closer to the rail and was able to obtain a position with cover behind WHITE HART KING making the first turn. He said he was obliged to ride IMPECCABLE along to maintain its position after the 600 Metres to prevent GOOD HONG KONG from being able to shift out which would have resulted in IMPECCABLE being taken wider. He said this resulted in him having to ride IMPECCABLE along earlier in the race than had been hoped. He added in the Straight when placed under pressure IMPECCABLE initially responded well to his riding, however, tired over the concluding stages. Mr P F Yiu, the trainer of IMPECCABLE, confirmed the instructions given to Jockey Mossé. He said the principal reason for having IMPECCABLE ridden more quietly today was due to the step up in distance to 1400 Metres at Sha Tin. He said he felt that if use would have to be made of IMPECCABLE in the early stages to cross from barrier 11, the horse may not have been able to close off the race. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SUPER HORSE, O Doleuze stated that the only explanation he was able to offer was that, in his opinion, SUPER HORSE may not have appreciated racing in amongst runners. He said at its most recent start when successful he was able to shift the horse to the outside of runners near the 600 Metres and SUPER HORSE finished off the race well. He said, from barrier 1 today, he was not able to ride SUPER HORSE in the same manner. A veterinary inspection of IMPECCABLE and SUPER HORSE after the race did not show any significant findings. SAMMY’S FALCON and GOOD HONG KONG were sent for sampling.