02/02/2013  Shatin  Race 7

LUCKY FOREVER began awkwardly and then shortly after the start was checked when crowded for room between KING OF SCOTS and MIZANI which shifted out abruptly. FREE JUDGEMENT began awkwardly. From wide barriers, SATIRICAL BOY and POETIC JUSTICE were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. For some distance after the 1400 Metres, DISTILL proved very difficult to settle and got its head up on numerous occasions when being checked away from the heels of MIZANI. After the 1400 Metres, ENABLING was checked away from the heels of SHINY DAY (T H So) which at this time was steadied by its rider after obtaining the lead. BLAZING SPEED, which was following, was steadied away from the heels of ENABLING in consequence. T H So was reminded of his responsibility to ensure that he does not reduce the tempo of runners too abruptly. After the 1200 Metres, FREE JUDGEMENT was left racing wide and without cover. BLAZING SPEED was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight and then over the final 250 Metres was not able to obtain clear running and consequently was not tested. Near the 350 Metres, ENABLING was shifted out when disappointed for running inside SHINY DAY. Approaching and passing the 200 Metres, ENABLING was then unable to obtain clear running between PACKING TYCOON and SHINY DAY which shifted out. Near the 250 Metres, KEEN WONGCHOY was momentarily awkwardly placed outside the heels of FREE JUDGEMENT. Over the concluding stages, MIZANI and LET ME HANDLE IT raced tight due to LET ME HANDLE IT shifting in. When questioned, Y T Cheng stated that he had been asked to have VAUGIRARD positioned where it was comfortable and it was felt that this would be in midfield or slightly behind midfield. He said in the early stages he was left racing wide outside LET ME HANDLE IT which was ridden along after the 1400 Metres to maintain its position to the inside of VAUGIRARD. He said rather than remain racing wide and without cover, he elected to steady VAUGIRARD and shift across behind that horse. He said this resulted in VAUGIRARD travelling further back in the field than had been intended. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on SATIRICAL BOY at the request of Trainer A T Millard. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. A veterinary inspection of FREE JUDGEMENT after the race did not show any significant findings. MIZANI and LET ME HANDLE IT were sent for sampling.