01/05/2013  Shatin  Race 3

OCEAN BRIGHT, which was leaning on the outside of its stall, began awkwardly. FANTASTISCH began awkwardly and got its head up on a number of occasions shortly after the start. After travelling a short distance, PLOT RATIO, GOLD TARTINI and BUDDY WATSON were crowded for room between FIERY RAIDER and SOLAR BOY (Apprentice C Y Lui) which shifted out. Apprentice Lui was advised he should make more of an effort than he did on this occasion to prevent his mount from shifting ground at the start. In the early stages, FIERY RAIDER had to be ridden along vigorously to obtain a forward position and raced wide until being able to obtain the lead on the rail passing the 1200 Metres. In the Straight, FIERY RAIDER gave ground. After the 1100 Metres, BUDDY WATSON was left racing wide and without cover. MEGA CASTLE was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight. Near the 150 Metres, YOUNG HERO was hampered when being shifted to the outside of KING OF FISH II to obtain clear running. Over the final 100 Metres, SPARKLING lay in under pressure. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of K C Leung (SPARKLING), 5th placegetter, over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he was nonetheless reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels to the end of the race where circumstances permit. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SOLAR BOY, Apprentice C Y Lui stated that he had to make considerable use of the horse in the early stages to obtain a forward position as instructed. He said it was not until near the 1200 Metres that he was able to shift in to race outside the leader, FIERY RAIDER. He said after this SOLAR BOY did not travel strongly and rounding the Home Turn got its head on the side and lay out. He said when placed under pressure in the Straight SOLAR BOY did not respond to his riding and weakened out of the race over the final 200 Metres. He added that whilst SOLAR BOY was disappointing, he attributed its run to the amount of use he had to make of the horse in the early stages. A veterinary inspection of SOLAR BOY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of FIERY RAIDER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that PLOT RATIO had lost its left hind plate. SOLAR BOY, RAINBOW SEEKER and MIZZEN GREY were sent for sampling.