08/07/2012  Shatin  Race 3

VAJRA THRONE began awkwardly. NOTUS was slow to begin and then failed to muster speed. Because of this, NOTUS was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, WINNER SMART failed to muster speed. After the 1100 Metres, BACKSTREET FIGHTER got its head up and proved difficult to settle. Passing the 900 Metres, BOSAMBO got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of BACKSTREET FIGHTER. Passing the 600 Metres, SOLAR BOY was awkwardly placed close to the heels of K-MOOCHI after being disappointed for running between that horse and NEW ASIA RISING which improved to its outside. Passing the 350 Metres, FIVE STARS HOTEL was shifted to the outside of ALL BOUNTIFUL after being disappointed for running between that horse and SOLAR BOY which shifted out. Then passing the 300 Metres, FIVE STARS HOTEL shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of TOP POWER which became unbalanced. Over the concluding stages, ALL BOUNTIFUL was hampered when obliged to be shifted in from the heels of NEW ASIA RISING (T Clark) which shifted in under pressure. T Clark was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from shifting ground in similar circumstances. For the majority of the race, TOP POWER travelled wide and without cover. The performance of VAJRA THRONE, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, VAJRA THRONE 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 improved performance of BESPOKE MASTER, Trainer C H Yip stated that the horse’s most recent starts had been disappointing and because of this he did not anticipate a forward showing from it today. He said BESPOKE MASTER had proved difficult to settle on occasions in the past and he felt that the tempo of today’s race had suited the horse. He said he had not altered the training programme of the horse since its last start and today’s win had surprised him. When questioned, M Chadwick stated that he had been asked to ride K-MOOCHI positively in the early stages as the horse had been disappointing in its races after working well in its track work. He said after being loaded, K-MOOCHI was fractious and as the start was effected got its head down. He said because of this K-MOOCHI was slow to begin. He said he rode the horse along in the early stages to make up lost ground and K-MOOCHI was able to improve its position without having to be made use of. He said after the 1200 Metres he attempted to steady K-MOOCHI to race outside SOLAR BOY, however, K-MOOCHI got its head up and proved difficult to settle. He said rather than continue to restrain K-MOOCHI, he elected to allow the horse to stride forward of SOLAR BOY with the intention of then steadying the tempo of the race. He said however that K-MOOCHI continued to get its head in the air and making the first turn lay out and would not shift over to race closer to the rail. He said because of the manner in which K-MOOCHI was racing, he was not able to get the horse to settle as he had hoped. He added in the Straight K-MOOCHI gave ground because of the manner in which it travelled during the early and middle stages. A veterinary inspection of SOLAR BOY after the race did not show any significant findings. BESPOKE MASTER and NEW ASIA RISING were sent for sampling.