20/01/2013  Shatin  Race 5

After being loaded, DRAGON BACHELOR became fractious and reared. DRAGON BACHELOR was removed from the stalls and examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. Before being allowed to race again, DRAGON BACHELOR will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. BREEZE OF LUCK was slow to begin. SMART MAN shifted out at the start and hampered BRIGHT STAR. After this, BRIGHT STAR was taken across behind runners. FUJIAN SPIRIT shifted in at the start, resulting in CROATIA, which began awkwardly, being crowded for room outside RED COURAGE. Near the 1150 Metres, DRAGON BACHELOR lost ground when crowded for room between COSTA DEL SOL and AFFLUENCE OF RAIN, both of which shifted ground. SUDDEN THUNDER was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight and after passing the 400 Metres was shifted in in an attempt to obtain clear running. In doing so, SUDDEN THUNDER bumped BOMBER JET, resulting in SUDDEN THUNDER being checked when disappointed for running between RED COURAGE and BOMBER JET. Near the 200 Metres, SUDDEN THUNDER was checked when again disappointed for running between RED COURAGE and HAPPY YEAH YEAH, both of which shifted a minimal amount of ground. Then over the concluding stages, SUDDEN THUNDER raced close to the heels of BOMBER JET. Because of this, SUDDEN THUNDER was not able to be ridden out right to the end of the race. SLEDGE HAMMER was unable to obtain clear running until near the 150 Metres. Then after the 100 Metres, SLEDGE HAMMER was steadied away from the heels of SUDDEN THUNDER which shifted in slightly. In the Straight, WINNIE’S HORSE got its head on the side and was inclined to lay out and over the concluding stages shifted out, resulting in BOMBER JET being bumped and taken out onto RED COURAGE which was hampered. Throughout the race, HAPPY YEAH YEAH and AFFLUENCE OF RAIN travelled wide and without cover. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that BRIGHT STAR had lost its left hind plate. SUDDEN THUNDER, SMART MAN and AFFLUENCE OF RAIN were sent for sampling.