06/01/2013  Shatin  Race 10

MIZANI was crowded for room at the start between DANCE FOR GOLD and HELENE FUN STAR, both of which shifted ground. DRAGON BACHELOR began very awkwardly, got its head up and made contact with the head of its rider, T Queally. A short distance later, DRAGON BACHELOR was checked when crowded for room between ENTHUSIASM and KING’S PACT which shifted in abruptly after making heavy contact with CULTURAL CITY. When being steadied in the early stages, WINNING APEX proved difficult to settle after the 1200 Metres. Near the 900 Metres, KING’S PACT shifted in when awkwardly placed close to the heels of HOLYANGELHOLY and in doing so bumped CULTURAL CITY. Making the turn after the 900 Metres, DRAGON BACHELOR got its head on the side and shifted out across the heels of HOLYANGELHOLY. At the entrance to the Straight, TRENDY WIN momentarily raced tight between HOLYANGELHOLY and WINNING APEX which shifted out. KING’S PACT, which was following, was steadied in consequence. Near the 350 Metres, LUCKY GAINS was held up for clear running behind HELENE FUN STAR and after this was shifted out to obtain clear running. Also near the 350 Metres, DANCE FOR GOLD put in an awkward stride. Throughout the race, HELENE FUN STAR travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, W C Marwing stated that, from barrier 14, he had been asked to ride CULTURAL CITY quietly in the early stages and obtain a position close to the rail. He said it was explained by him that at its last start the horse had not begun well and Mr J Moore, the trainer of CULTURAL CITY, had expressed concern that if the horse again did not begin well, CULTURAL CITY would be left racing wide. Mr Moore confirmed that he had asked W C Marwing to ride CULTURAL CITY quietly in the early stages as at its most recent start the horse had not finished off the race after having to be ridden along to overcome its poor start. He said he did not want the same scenario occurring today and for this reason, from the wide barrier, he felt that it was in the horse’s best interests to be shifted across behind runners with a view to having the horse finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of CULTURAL CITY after the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped. A veterinary inspection of WINNING APEX after the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped. DANCE FOR GOLD, MIZANI and POLYMER WIN were sent for sampling.