01/07/2012  Shatin  Race 6

EUPHEMISM was slow to begin. SPICY SIAM was crowded for room at the start between COSMO ONE which shifted in and SUPER BOBO which shifted out. In this incident, SUPER BOBO became unbalanced after making contact with SPICY SIAM, shifted in and bumped the hindquarters of TELECOM SUPREMO which also became unbalanced. Following the race, O Doleuze reported that after this incident TELECOM SUPREMO, despite being ridden along, failed to muster speed and then did not stretch out for the remainder of the race. A veterinary inspection of TELECOM SUPREMO after the race did not show any significant findings. From a wide barrier, SADDLERS LODGE was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. After being left racing wide in the early stages, SUPER HORSE was allowed to stride into a more forward position closer to the rail near the 1400 Metres. Also when left racing wide in the early stages, ELECTRONIC FORTUNE, after the 1300 Metres was allowed to stride forward into the lead. Approaching the 800 Metres, POTENTIAL was awkwardly placed close to the heels of ISTIDE. Rounding the Home Turn, GOOD THINKER was checked when endeavouring to obtain clear running between SADDLERS LODGE and GOLD TARTINI which was being shifted to the outside of COSMO ONE. In this incident, GOOD THINKER bumped SADDLERS LODGE which became unbalanced. Also rounding the Home Turn, POTENTIAL was awkwardly placed close to the heels of ISTIDE. At the 400 Metres, MERIDIAN TREASURE was shifted in away from the heels of SUPER HORSE to obtain clear running. After the 200 Metres, GOOD THINKER raced tight between EUPHEMISM and SUPER BOBO which was shifted out away from the heels of SADDLERS LODGE which was giving ground. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of COSMO ONE, B Prebble stated that he had been instructed to ride the horse in about a midfield position if possible. He said due to the tempo of the race, the field was compact in the early stages and due to a number of runners being positioned to his inside, he was not able to obtain a position closer to the rail than three wide. He said he initially obtained cover behind ELECTRONIC FORTUNE, however, when that horse continued on into the lead approaching the 1000 Metres, COSMO ONE was left racing wide and without cover. He said he did give consideration to allowing COSMO ONE to improve its position in an endeavour to obtain a position closer to the rail, however, he did not believe that COSMO ONE was travelling well enough to improve its position at that time. He added that COSMO ONE came off the bridle approaching the 600 Metres, but continued to maintain its position for some distance after this. He said however that COSMO ONE came under pressure in the early part of the Straight and despite being ridden along did not close off the race. He said COSMO ONE did not feel comfortable in its action over the concluding stages, however, after the race appeared to be sound. B Prebble stated that he did recommend to the connections that they consider spelling COSMO ONE after today’s race bearing in mind its disappointing performance. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of GOLD TARTINI, D Whyte stated that he had not ridden the horse prior to today’s race. He said GOLD TARTINI travelled only fairly throughout the early and middle stages in a three wide position behind the favourite, COSMO ONE. He said prior to the Home Turn GOLD TARTINI came off the bridle and had to be ridden aggressively in an attempt to maintain its position. He said however that in the early part of the Straight GOLD TARTINI commenced to give ground and although he was momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of the tiring SADDLERS LODGE passing the 200 Metres, GOLD TARTINI was a beaten horse at this stage. A veterinary inspection of COSMO ONE and GOLD TARTINI after the race did not show any significant findings. COSMO ONE, THANKSGIVING and MERIDIAN TREASURE were sent for sampling.