06/10/2012  Shatin  Race 8

WINDICATOR STAR got its head up as the start was effected and lost ground. On jumping, B CHOICE and HELENE FUN STAR were crowded for room between SUPER FRESH and VINTAGE HUSSLER, both of which shifted ground. From outside barriers, LUCKY RECORD and CHOIR were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. On the first turn at the 850 Metres, WINDICATOR STAR shifted out momentarily, resulting in RAINBOW FIGHTER being taken out onto SMART KIDS which was hampered when crowded for room inside DEMON DEMON. For some distance following this incident, SMART KIDS was reluctant to hold its position inside DEMON DEMON and lost its position. After the 700 Metres, DEMON DEMON was inconvenienced by B CHOICE which shifted out away from the heels of HELENE FUN STAR which itself was steadied from the heels of MR GINGER. On straightening, DEMON DEMON was momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of LUCKY RECORD (M Chadwick) which shifted out to improve. M Chadwick was reprimanded and advised to exercise far more care when shifting ground in future. Throughout the race, DEMON DEMON travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. When questioned, T Clark stated that, from his awkward barrier, he was instructed to ride MASTER RIO back in the field where it was comfortable. He said accordingly he took MASTER RIO across behind runners soon after the start and after finding the rail, MASTER RIO did not appear to stretch out comfortably despite being niggled along. He said leaving the 900 Metres he was reluctant to improve his position inside LUCKY RECORD as he observed that horse was awkwardly placed inside the heels of CHOIR which shifted in. He further stated that MASTER RIO then did not travel comfortably at any stage thereafter and in the Straight whilst he tested the horse in a hands and heels fashion, his mount did not give any significant response. A veterinary inspection of MASTER RIO and SUPER FRESH after the race did not show any significant findings. MR GINGER and HELENE FUN STAR were sent for sampling.