28/10/2012  Shatin  Race 4

ALL BOUNTIFUL and DANZULU made heavy contact on two occasions after the start, resulting in both horses becoming badly unbalanced. RIYADH was crowded for room at the start between GOLDLAND DANCER and SUPER HORSE which shifted in. HURRY HURRY UP began awkwardly. From a wide barrier, EMPIRE CITY was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. HANDSOME BATCHELOR was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight. TOWERING STORM was held up for clear running until passing the 400 Metres. At the 300 Metres, SUPER HORSE was checked when disappointed for running between TOWERING STORM which shifted out simultaneously to obtain clear running and VIVA GUY which was giving ground. In the circumstances, no action was taken. In the Straight, NAUGHTY BABY got its head on the side, hung in badly under pressure and proved difficult to ride. The performance of NAUGHTY BABY was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, NAUGHTY BABY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial around a bend. When questioned, T H So stated that as VIVA GUY had performed very disappointing at its last start when ridden from the rear of the field, he was asked to be more positive on VIVA GUY in the early stages to obtain a position behind the speed in 3rd or 4th position if possible. He said it was not expected the race would be run at a quick tempo and he was able to obtain a forward position on VIVA GUY without too much use having to be made of the horse. He said after allowing VIVA GUY to obtain a forward position in the early stages, he was not able to shift in due to GOLDLAND DANCER being positioned to his inside. He said when NAUGHTY BABY obtained the position to the outside of MERIDIAN TREASURE, VIVA GUY was left racing three wide and without cover. When questioned, G Mossé stated that he had been advised by the horse’s trainer that RIYADH is one-paced and is not suited by being held up in its races. He said for this reason he was instructed to ensure that RIYADH did not get caught in amongst other runners rather to ensure that the horse had plenty of galloping room and was able to shift out to make its final run. He said whilst it was available to him to shift across behind SUPER HORSE in the early stages and get a position one horse off the fence, he allowed RIYADH to remain racing in a three wide position with cover behind ALL BOUNTIFUL. When questioned, Z Purton stated that the circumstances of today’s race was similar to the horse’s most recent start in that MERIDIAN TREASURE today had a horse racing to its outside which it had at its previous start. He said, in his opinion, the tempo of today’s race was slightly slower than its most recent start and, in his opinion, MERIDIAN TREASURE had to do no more work throughout the run than it did at its most recent start when the horse was able to finish 2nd. He said MERIDIAN TREASURE travelled strongly until entering the Straight at which point it was placed under pressure. He said MERIDIAN TREASURE immediately went from travelling strongly to coming off the bridle and when placed under pressure in the Straight weakened badly. He did say that he had ridden MERIDIAN TREASURE in some of its work in the lead up to today’s race and that work had been strong. A veterinary inspection of MERIDIAN TREASURE after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of MERIDIAN TREASURE was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MERIDIAN TREASURE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. GOLDLAND DANCER and ALL BOUNTIFUL were sent for sampling.