12/01/2013  Shatin  Race 5

WAYFOONG TYCOON was crowded for room at the start between NAUGHTY BABY and FLYING SUPREME which shifted in. From a wide barrier, ALL YOU WISH, after bumping with FIVE STARS HOTEL, was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 1100 Metres, GENERAL DANROAD was checked away from the heels of FLYING SUPREME which was steadied to allow GOOD TIMES ROLL across. Also near the 1100 Metres, CHOIR was momentarily awkwardly placed inside the heels of AMBASSADORSHIP. Making the turn after the 900 Metres, AMBASSADORSHIP was awkwardly placed outside the heels of FLYING SUPREME which shifted out. After the 800 Metres, SUNNY PEARL was left racing wide and without cover. Near the 550 Metres, SUNNY PEARL and NOTUS were taken wider by FIVE STARS HOTEL which shifted out to the outside of the heels of APOLLO CAVALIER. At the 400 Metres, AMBASSADORSHIP was shifted out away from the heels of NOTUS. Approaching the 200 Metres, THANKSGIVING was steadied away from the heels of NAUGHTY BABY. For the major part of the race, NOTUS travelled wide and without cover. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that FLYING SUPREME had shifted its left hind plate. When questioned, B Prebble (FIVE STARS HOTEL) stated that prior to the race it was felt that the speed of the race would only be fair and therefore he had been asked to ride the horse more positively in the early stages to overcome its wide barrier. He said FIVE STARS HOTEL was able to obtain a forward position without having to be ridden along and near the 900 Metres was able to obtain a position one out one back. He said on a number of occasions after the 800 Metres FIVE STARS HOTEL changed stride and became unbalanced. He said for this reason he shifted the horse out at the 500 Metres so as to ensure that SUNNY PEARL was not able to improve its position around FIVE STARS HOTEL. He said in the Straight FIVE STARS HOTEL was disappointing in the manner in which it weakened out of the race. He added that FIVE STARS HOTEL may be better suited by being ridden off the pace if circumstances permit. A veterinary inspection of FIVE STARS HOTEL after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of SUNNY PEARL after the race did not show any significant findings. SUNNY PEARL, THANKSGIVING and ALL YOU WISH were sent for sampling.