16/09/2012  Shatin  Race 2

As the start was effected, FUN HEROES lifted its front feet off the ground and was slow to begin. MOCHI was slow to begin. Throughout the race, HO HO LIFE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, T Clark stated that he had been asked to ride SHIFACHI TRADITION in a midfield position if possible with cover. He said that the horse had been ridden from off the speed in a recent barrier trial. He said, from barrier 8 today, he remained racing wide in the early stages to evaluate whether it was possible for him to obtain a midfield position, however, it soon became apparent to him that if he were to obtain this position, SHIFACHI TRADITION would be left racing wide and may have been left racing without cover. He said therefore he elected to shift SHIFACHI TRADITION across behind runners near the 1400 Metres. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of CHAMPAGNE DAYS, W C Marwing stated that he had anticipated a forward showing from the horse on the back of a good barrier trial in the lead up to today’s race. He said throughout the race CHAMPAGNE DAYS travelled well in a position behind the leaders and rounding the Home Turn he shifted CHAMPAGNE DAYS to the outside of CHANCELLOR into clear running. He said when he had ridden CHAMPAGNE DAYS previously, the horse had shown a good turn of foot before finishing off its races somewhat one-paced, however, today CHAMPAGNE DAYS did not show a similar turn of foot and was disappointing in that it responded only fairly to his riding when placed under pressure in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of CHAMPAGNE DAYS after the race did not show any significant findings. CHAMPAGNE DAYS, I SMELL MONEY and CHANCELLOR were sent for sampling.