02/02/2013  Shatin  Race 8

As the start was effected, ALPHA GRAND lifted its front feet off the ground and then made heavy contact with the inside of its barrier stall. This resulted in ALPHA GRAND losing ground at the start. After this, ALPHA GRAND was hard ridden to make up lost ground and for some distance after the 1500 Metres got its head up when being checked away from the heels of SHANTARAAM. TOWERING STORM began only fairly and then was bumped by OLE OLE which shifted in. After this, TOWERING STORM was ridden along, however, failed to muster speed. XILAI XIANZI and SUNNY YING were badly crowded for room at the start between LEVEL PLAYER and JAMESINA which shifted out abruptly. In this incident, SUNNY YING made contact with the hindquarters of LEVEL PLAYER which became badly unbalanced. In the early stages, PERCY JACKSON travelled wide and after the 1200 Metres was left racing without cover. For this reason, PERCY JACKSON steadied and shifted in to a position with cover behind PRETTY BLUEBERRY which after the 1100 Metres was then left racing wide and without cover. Near the 1100 Metres, HEAR THE ROAR was steadied away from the heels of TOWERING STORM which itself was awkwardly placed close to the heels of PRECISION ERA. After the 1100 Metres, ALPHA GRAND, which was continuing to prove difficult to settle, was checked away from the heels of TURBO JEWELLERY. In the early part of the Straight, REAL GENEROUS and PERCY JACKSON raced tight as PERCY JACKSON shifted out. JAMESINA was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight and passing the 150 Metres was steadied when disappointed for running between SUNNY YING and REAL GENEROUS, both of which shifted ground. Then over the concluding stages, JAMESINA was again steadied when unable to improve between REAL GENEROUS and SUNNY YING (W C Marwing) which shifted out. W C Marwing was advised to exercise more care. Because of this, JAMESINA was not able to be ridden out to the end of the race. Near the 350 Metres, TOWERING STORM was momentarily steadied when crowded for room between PRETTY BLUEBERRY and ALPHA GRAND which shifted out marginally when commencing to give ground. A veterinary inspection of ALPHA GRAND after the race did not show any significant findings. TURBO JEWELLERY, SUNNY YING and REAL GENEROUS were sent for sampling.