08/09/2012  Shatin  Race 5

At declaration time, B Prebble was declared as the rider of both CELESTIALBLESSINGS and SOLAR SPIRIT It was established that B Prebble had a firm commitment to ride SOLAR SPIRIT. As such, the Stewards permitted W C Marwing to be substituted as the rider of CELESTIALBLESSINGS. For this declaration error, B Prebble was fined $2,000. SAFARI MAGIC, WELL FIT and DUO GLORY all began awkwardly. Shortly after the start, SHARP PRINT raced in restricted room between CELESTIALBLESSINGS and GRACYTOM which got its head on the side and shifted out away from WELL FIT. Near the 900 Metres, BEAUTY KING was hampered by SOLAR SPIRIT which shifted in when momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of HINYUEN PALADIN. SOLAR SPIRIT was not able to obtain clear running until near the 300 Metres. Passing the 150 Metres, CELESTIALBLESSINGS was shifted to the outside of D DAY SUPER to continue improving. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of JADE CHRISTY, Z Purton stated that he had ridden the horse in a barrier trial in the lead up to today’s race with the blinkers applied and, in his opinion, this trial was good. He said JADE CHRISTY travelled strongly until the 400 Metres, however, came under pressure at this point. He said in its previous races, JADE CHRISTY had responded well when placed under pressure, however, today did not show any turn of foot and was disappointing in the manner in which it weakened out of the race over the concluding stages. A veterinary inspection of JADE CHRISTY and SAFARI MAGIC after the race did not show any significant findings. JADE CHRISTY, WELL FIT and SOLAR SPIRIT were sent for sampling.