01/04/2013  Shatin  Race 9

SMART VOLATILITY was withdrawn on 30.3.13 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter BULLISH FRIEND. Before being allowed to race again, SMART VOLATILITY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. From wide barriers, EXCITING DREAM and SANTA FE SUN were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 1000 Metres, BEAUTY SPARKLE, which was racing tight outside SMART KIDS, was steadied away from the heels of BULLISH FRIEND (C W Wong) which shifted in when not quite clear. C W Wong was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances. In the early and middle stages, SANTE FE SUN raced greenly. Making the first turn after the 900 Metres, EVERYONE’S CHOICE, which was racing greenly, shifted in towards the running rail and became unbalanced. EVERYONE’S CHOICE then got its head on the side and hung out badly across the heels of BULLISH FRIEND which resulted in EVERYONE’S CHOICE having to be severely checked by its rider. BEST JADE TRIUMPH and STEP FASTER, which were following EVERYONE’S CHOICE, were shifted out at this time which resulted in EASY SUCCESS, which itself was racing ungenerously, being checked when crowded for room inside MASTER SOMMELIER which throughout the race travelled wide and without cover. In this incident, SMART KIDS, which was racing outside EVERYONE’S CHOICE, was crowded for room inside BEAUTY SPARKLE which became unbalanced after being bumped by SMART KIDS. Then near the 700 Metres, EVERYONE’S CHOICE, which was racing tight to the inside of SMART KIDS and MASTER SOMMELIER, was severely checked and lost ground after becoming badly unbalanced due to making contact with the rail when reluctant to maintain its position inside SMART KIDS. A veterinary inspection of EVERYONE’S CHOICE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The racing manners and performance of EVERYONE’S CHOICE, which finished tailed out, were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, EVERYONE’S CHOICE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial around a bend and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. BEST JADE TRIUMPH, which was following EVERYONE’S CHOICE, was shifted out to avoid the heels of that horse, resulting in STEP FASTER being taken wider. AMBER DRAGON, which was following STEP FASTER, was checked away from the heels of that horse and EXCITING DREAM, which was racing to the outside of AMBER DRAGON, was taken wider. Rounding the Home Turn, XI YING MEN got its head on the side and hung out. Over the concluding stages, BUNDLE OF JOY shifted out under pressure. When questioned, A Suborics stated that when giving ground in the latter part of the Straight, ULTIMATE WINNERS’ action deteriorated and the horse did not appear comfortable. A veterinary inspection of ULTIMATE WINNERS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, ULTIMATE WINNERS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. EXCITING DREAM, BULLISH FRIEND and BUNDLE OF JOY were sent for sampling.