24/03/2013  Shatin  Race 9

LIBERATOR and IRIAN bumped at the start. After this, LIBERATOR had to be ridden along aggressively to obtain a more forward position. TAKNAM was slow to begin. From a wide barrier, WILLIE CAZALS was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. For the majority of the race, PURE CHAMPION travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, T Clark (AOMEN) stated that it had been anticipated that BEAUTY LEAD would be ridden to lead and therefore, from barrier 3, he should obtain the position on the rail behind that horse. He said after obtaining this position in the early stages, AOMEN was obliged to race further back in the field than had been anticipated after BEAUTY LEAD allowed MILITARY ATTACK to cross into the lead after the 1400 Metres. When questioned, M L Yeung stated that he had been instructed to take up a forward position on BEAUTY LEAD, but not necessarily to lead. He said accordingly he allowed BEAUTY LEAD to obtain the lead in the early stages inside LET ME HANDLE IT. He said when he observed MILITARY ATTACH being ridden into a forward position after the 1400 Metres, he elected to steady BEAUTY LEAD and allow that horse to cross so as to provide BEAUTY LEAD with cover to help the horse relax. He said in the Straight BEAUTY LEAD finished off the race only one-paced. He added that prior to mounting BEAUTY LEAD, the owner of the horse did make the point to him that no leader had been successful in the races run to that time which he believed reinforced that BEAUTY LEAD did not necessarily have to lead. Trainer A S Cruz confirmed that he had instructed M L Yeung to take up a forward position and it was available for him to either lead or take the box seat in today’s race. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that MILITARY ATTACK had lost its right front plate. ZAIDAN, MILITARY ATTACK and AOMEN were sent for sampling.