17/06/2012  Shatin  Race 9

SUPREME WIN and XTENSION were crowded for room at the start between SWEET ORANGE which shifted out after beginning awkwardly and ADMIRATION which shifted in. From a wide barrier, ABLE SPEED was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Passing the 1200 Metres, XTENSION, which was being ridden along to improve its position, was momentarily crowded for room inside DESTINED FOR GLORY which was awkwardly placed inside the heels of SUNNY KING which shifted in. Near the 850 Metres, DESTINED FOR GLORY was momentarily crowded for room inside SUNNY KING which got its head on the side and shifted in slightly. At the 200 Metres, SWEET ORANGE got it head on the side and shifted out under pressure. For the majority of the race, ADMIRATION travelled wide and without cover. After the race, H W Lai reported that SUPREME WIN did not travel well at any stage of the race and did not feel comfortable in its action. A veterinary inspection of SUPREME WIN after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of SUPREME WIN, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SUPREME WIN 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 regarding the disappointing performance of XTENSION, T Clark stated that back in distance today XTENSION was never afforded the opportunity to travel comfortably as the tempo of the race was quicker than at its most recent start when successful over 1600 Metres. He said he had to ride his mount along in the early stages in an attempt to obtain a midfield position, however, XTENSION was not able to obtain this position despite his riding it along. He said although XTENSION was racing three wide, it had cover behind SUNNY KING. He said the manner in which XTENSION raced indicated to him that it was not suited by the step back in distance on today’s surface. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of LEADING CITY, D Whyte stated that the horse came under pressure prior to the Home Turn which resulted in FLYING BLUE being able to shift away from the rail on his inside. He said although LEADING CITY was momentarily awkwardly placed between runners near the 350 Metres, LEADING CITY was a beaten horse at this time and weakened in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of XTENSION, LEADING CITY and BEAUTY FLASH after the race did not show any significant findings. AASHIQ and SWEET ORANGE were sent for sampling.