06/05/2012  Shatin  Race 4

Approaching the 1000 Metres, DOMINANT (D Whyte) was checked after attempting to improve into running between PACKING TYCOON and WRATH OF FIRE where there was insufficient room. After this, DOMINANT got its head up when proving difficult to settle and having to be checked away from the heels of PACKING TYCOON. D Whyte was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that he does not place undue pressure on other runners in order to improve his positions. Near the 500 Metres, PACKING TYCOON was steadied away from the heels of REAL SPECIALIST which was taken out by LIBERATOR. In the early part of the Straight, DOMINANT had difficulty obtaining clear running and then for some distance after the 400 Metres was checked when obtaining tight running between SUPER PISTACHIO and CARTHAGE. D Whyte was advised to exercise due care when attempting runs in similar circumstances. Near the 250 Metres, SAME WORLD and REAL SPECIALIST bumped as SAME WORLD shifted out to obtain clear running. The performance of NOBLE CONQUEROR, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, NOBLE CONQUEROR will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, T Clark stated that he had been instructed to obtain a forward position on LIBERATOR in much of the same manner in which he had done at its previous start when successful. He said it was anticipated that SUPER PISTACHIO would lead today’s race and it was hoped that LIBERATOR would be able to take up a trailing position behind that horse. He said LIBERATOR began only fairly and, despite being niggled at in the early stages to go forward, did not show the same early speed that it did at its last start. He did say that LIBERATOR had in the past displayed a similar tendency to be somewhat lethargic in the early stages of some of its races and in particular the horse had been sluggish to begin when he rode it in December last year. He said as horses such as WRATH OF FIRE, REAL SPECIALIST and CARTHAGE clearly began better than LIBERATOR, rather than continuing to push his mount along, he elected to allow those horses to improve their positions with a view to improving his position when the pace slackened as it often does in races such as this after runners have found their positions. He said, as anticipated, the speed did in fact slacken after passing the winning post on the first occasion and approaching the 1500 Metres he was able to improve his position quickly around the field without having to make any use of LIBERATOR to do so. He said after the 1400 Metres he was able to obtain a position in the lead. He said after obtaining the lead, he attempted to steady the tempo on LIBERATOR and at this time SUPER PISTACHIO improved its position to the outside of LIBERATOR. He said as that horse appeared to be on a loose rein, he elected to allow SUPER PISTACHIO to improve its position rather than become engaged in a battle for the lead with that horse. He said passing the 600 Metres he was able to shift LIBERATOR out and obtain clear running to the outside of CARTHAGE. Mr D E Ferraris, the trainer of LIBERATOR, confirmed the instructions given to Jockey Clark and said that due to LIBERATOR’s tendency in some of its races in the past not to show early speed, he did advise Jockey Clark not to push LIBERATOR along in the early stages if he was not able to obtain a forward position as anticipated. He said he also advised Jockey Clark that he would rather see LIBERATOR improve around the field in the event that the pace of the race slackened which often happens in middle distance races run at Sha Tin. He said after viewing the videos of the race, he was satisfied with Jockey Clark’s handling of LIBERATOR as it was apparent to him that the horse did not show the early speed to be able to be in a forward position as had been hoped. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that SAME WORLD had lost its left front plate. A veterinary inspection of REAL SPECIALIST and CARTHAGE after the race did not show any significant findings. DOMINANT and LIBERATOR were sent for sampling.