17/10/2012  Shatin  Race 7

OLE OLE, EURO SWIFTLY and HAPPY CHA CHA were slow to begin. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, BRIGHT STAR shifted out and bumped TIPPERARY DAVOR. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, both HEALTHY BLUEBERRY and PRIDE AND HONOUR failed to muster speed. Approaching the 1200 Metres, HEALTHY BLUEBERRY was checked away from the heels of ALPHA GRAND. After the 150 Metres, OLE OLE was held up for clear running until over the concluding stages. Over the concluding stages, ALPHA GRAND was momentarily awkwardly placed inside the heels of CHAMPAGNE DAYS. When questioned regarding CHAMPAGNE DAYS, which was having its first start on the All Weather surface tonight, being ridden back in the field, W C Marwing stated that having ridden the horse in its two starts this season, it was very disappointing on both occasions. He said following its last start, he discussed the horse’s future campaign with Trainer C W Chang and it was felt that CHAMPAGNE DAYS might race better on the All Weather surface as it had previously trialed extremely well on the track. He further stated that as CHAMPAGNE DAYS had not been finishing off its races of late, he suggested to Mr Chang to alter the gear on CHAMPAGNE DAYS, including removing the blinkers from the horse in an endeavour to have it relax better in its races. He said when CHAMPAGNE DAYS drew barrier 10, it was decided to ride the horse quietly in the early stages rather than ride it along and then not be able to finish off the race as it happened in both starts this season. He said accordingly, from barrier 10, he took CHAMPAGNE DAYS across behind runners in the early stages and it reacted well. He said when ridden in this manner, CHAMPAGNE DAYS finished off the race strongly. He added that after the race he recommended to Mr Chang to continue to ride CHAMPAGNE DAYS where it was comfortable but he did feel that, from a more favourable barrier, CHAMPAGNE DAYS may be able to take up a more forward position than was the case from barrier 10 tonight. D Whyte (ALPHA GRAND) stated that after being afforded a good run throughout the race, the horse was disappointing in that it failed to quicken when placed under pressure and finished off the race only one-paced. A veterinary inspection of ALPHA GRAND after the race did not show any significant findings. Z Purton (ZACHARY) stated that whilst the horse had previously worked well on the All Weather surface, the horse tonight did not finish off its race on the surface at its first time of asking in a race. A veterinary inspection of ZACHARY after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of RIO WILLIE after the race did not show any significant findings. ZACHARY, HAPPY CHA CHA and MAGNUMOUS were sent for sampling.