16/06/2013  Shatin  Race 4

As the start was effected, BACKSTREET FIGHTER walked out of the stalls and then turned left abruptly towards the outside rail, resulting in its rider, M L Yeung, being dislodged and the horse taking no part in the race. Before being allowed to race again, BACKSTREET FIGHTER will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. EMPIRE CITY shifted out at the start and bumped HIGH SPEED METRO. Shortly after the start, YOUNG WARRIOR was steadied away from the heels of THANKSGIVING which shifted out. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, GOLDEN OSMANTHUS failed to muster speed. Passing the 1000 Metres, GOLDEN OSMANTHUS was steadied away from the heels of FLORAL MAN (Apprentice C Y Lui) which shifted in when not properly clear. Apprentice Lui was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he provides sufficient clearance when shifting ground in future. When GOLDEN OSMANTHUS was steadied, EMPIRE CITY, which was following, shifted out away from the heels of that horse and after the 800 Metres was left racing without cover. In the early part of the Straight, MAJESTIC ANTHEM got its head on the side and hung in under pressure. SILVER DRAGON was badly held up for clear running until after the 250 Metres. Approaching the 200 Metres, YOUNG TALENT was steadied when disappointed for running between CITY DELIGHT which was giving ground and STREET CAT. After the 200 Metres, FLORAL MAN and EMPIRE CITY raced tight. Then near the 150 Metres, EMPIRE CITY got its head on the side and shifted in under pressure and in doing so bumped FLORAL MAN. When questioned, T Berry (THANKSGIVING) stated that he had been asked to ride the horse behind the speed as there did not appear on paper to be a lot of pace in the race. He said in the early stages he steadied THANKSGIVING with a view to obtaining a position with cover, however, when he was left racing four wide, it was apparent to him that he would not be able to shift in behind MAJESTIC ANTHEM which was racing to his inside, therefore he allowed the horse to stride forward closer to the rail. He said he had hoped that POLYMER WIN would continue on in the lead which may have afforded THANKSGIVING the opportunity to race behind that horse. He said however that when he had improved his position on THANKSGIVING after the 1200 Metres, POLYMER WIN was steadied by its rider and for this reason he was left with no alternative but to lead. A veterinary inspection of FLORAL MAN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. MAJESTIC ANTHEM, POLYMER WIN and REAL GENERAL were sent for sampling.