08/06/2013  Shatin  Race 7

From wide barriers, SMART BALL and MY NAME IS BOND were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. In the early stages, EVERYONE’S CHOICE proved very difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions and at times raced ungenerously. Making the first turn after the 900 Metres, MASTER SOMMELIER proved very difficult to settle and shifted out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of COSTA DEL SOL. After this, MASTER SOMMELIER continued to prove very difficult to settle and for the remainder of the race travelled wide and without cover. Also making the first turn after the 900 Metres, FIRST SIGHT LOVE got its head on the side and shifted out when racing greenly and in doing so bumped ABLE FRIEND. After this, FIRST SIGHT LOVE continued to get its head on the side and lay out making the turns. Approaching the 700 Metres, MY NAME IS BOND commenced to over-race and was checked away from the heels of SUGAR CITY. After the 700 Metres, MULTIVICTORY was awkwardly placed inside the heels of LUCKY DAN which got its head on the side and shifted in away from COSTA DEL SOL. In the early part of the Straight, MY NAME IS BOND was awkwardly placed outside the heels of SUGAR CITY which shifted out. Approaching and passing the 200 Metres, SUGAR CITY and MY NAME IS BOND raced tight. Near the 150 Metres, LUCKY DAN was hampered when crowded for room between COSTA DEL SOL which shifted in slightly and FIRST SIGHT LOVE which got its head on the side and shifted out away from KING TAI SING which shifted out under pressure. After this, LUCKY DAN was not able to obtain clear running until near the 50 Metres and consequently was not able to be properly tested. Close to the finishing line, FIRST SIGHT LOVE became unbalanced when bumped by COSTA DEL SOL (Z Purton) which, after initially making contact with SMART BALL, then got its head on the side and shifted in abruptly of its own accord. After the race, Z Purton stated that in this incident COSTA DEL SOL did not feel comfortable in its action. A veterinary inspection of COSTA DEL SOL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Just prior to the winning post, K C Leung (QUEEN’S WHISTLE) dropped his whip. The performance of EVERYONE’S CHOICE, which finished tailed out, was 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 and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of MULTIVICTORY and EVERYONE’S CHOICE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. MULTIVICTORY, ABLE FRIEND and MASTER SOMMELIER were sent for sampling.