02/12/2012  Shatin  Race 7

Shortly after the start, HO HO LIFE was steadied away from the heels of HORSE APLENTY which shifted in. From the outside barrier, HAPPY CHA CHA was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Approaching the 200 Metres, HAPPY CHA CHA was shifted out away from the heels of ALL FRIENDS which was giving ground. At the 200 Metres, U Rispoli (OLE OLE) dropped his whip. Throughout the race, CHAMPAGNE DAYS and YUE LU TREASURE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, Mr C W Chang, the trainer of CHAMPAGNE DAYS, stated that although he had asked for the horse to be ridden quietly two starts ago from a wide barrier, it was apparent to him prior to today’s race that horses racing on the speed nearer to the rail were greatly advantaged and that horses ridden back in the field were unable to finish off the race. He said for this reason he instructed W C Marwing to ride CHAMPAGNE DAYS positively in the hope that it would show sufficient early speed to be able to cross runners to its inside and travel in a forward position close to the rail. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of JOLLY GOOD, A Suborics stated that his mount did not travel well at any stage in the race. He said near the 800 Metres he had to ride the horse aggressively to hold its position and whilst JOLLY GOOD can sometimes come off the bridle in its races, today the horse did not respond to his riding as it usually does and was disappointing in its failure to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of JOLLY GOOD after the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of ALL FRIENDS, T Clark stated that although he had to make some use of the horse in the early stages to obtain a forward position, nonetheless ALL FRIENDS was disappointing in the manner in which it gave ground in the Straight. He said, in his opinion, ALL FRIENDS is better suited when ridden with cover, however, as the track appeared to suit horses racing on the speed, it was felt that having ALL FRIENDS as close as possible to the leaders would be in its best interests. A veterinary inspection of ALL FRIENDS after the race did not show any significant findings. NEW GREENFIELD and HORSE APLENTY were sent for sampling.