09/12/2012  Shatin  Race 2

EASTERN PROMISE and BEAUTY MISSION bumped at the start, resulting in BEAUTY MISSION shifting in and bumping HI MOLLY which became unbalanced. RED ADVENTURE and HOLYANGELHOLY bumped at the start. From a wide barrier, OWNERS’ PRIDE was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Also from wide barriers, ALL ROUND and GOODVIEW SUCCESSOR were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 1200 Metres, GREAT SPIRIT was momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of CALLING WITH LOVE. After the 900 Metres, GREAT SPIRIT was left racing wide and without cover. After the 700 Metres, RED ADVENTURE got its head on the side and hung out. Also after the 700 Metres, GREAT SPIRIT hung out badly and proved very difficult to ride. The performance of GREAT SPIRIT was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, GREAT SPIRIT will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial around a bend. Passing the 700 Metres, GABRIAL THE KING was awkwardly placed close to the heels of DOUBLE DRAGON which itself was proving difficult to settle when racing close to the heels of HI MOLLY which steadied the tempo in the lead. At the entrance to the Straight, BEAUTY MISSION became unbalanced after being bumped by OWNERS’ PRIDE which was shifted out to obtain clear running. Near the 300 Metres, HOLYANGELHOLY was shifted in away from the heels of GREAT SPIRIT to obtain clear running. When questioned, M Chadwick stated that he had been asked to ride CALLING WITH LOVE in 3rd or 4th position with cover behind the anticipated leaders, DOUBLE DRAGON and HI MOLLY. He said he was able to obtain this position after the 1200 Metres and he expected that DOUBLE DRAGON would maintain its position to the inside of HI MOLLY which would allow CALLING WITH LOVE to retain cover behind HI MOLLY. He said however that making the first turn DOUBLE DRAGON was steadied by its rider to allow HI MOLLY to cross and this resulted in CALLING WITH LOVE being left racing without cover after the 800 Metres. He added that when placed under pressure in the Straight CALLING WITH LOVE responded strongly to his riding, however, over the concluding stages weakened on its run. A veterinary inspection of CALLING WITH LOVE after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of GREAT SPIRIT after the race did not show any significant findings. CALLING WITH LOVE, OWNERS’ PRIDE and HOLYANGELHOLY were sent for sampling.