15/09/2013  Shatin  Race 1

WINNAM knuckled over at the start. POSITIVE VIBRATION was slow to begin. From wide barriers, WINNING ADVANTAGE and DELIGHT FORTUNE were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 850 Metres, DELIGHT FORTUNE was steadied when crowded for room between POSITIVE VIBRATION which got its head up and shifted out making the turn and WINNING ADVANTAGE which was taken in by SANTA FE SUN. Passing the 700 Metres, VALIANT TROJAN got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of POSITIVE ENERGY. For some distance approaching the 600 Metres, SANTA FE SUN, which was travelling keenly, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of MAN AND MING. MR AWARD had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Passing the 150 Metres, ORIENTAL FANTASIA, which was commencing to give ground, was steadied away from the heels of MR AWARD which shifted out marginally. When questioned, D Whyte stated that he had been instructed to take up a forward position on HAPPY CERAMIBO and lead if circumstances permitted. He said when he rode HAPPY CERAMIBO at its most recent start at the end of last season, the horse was not able to lead and after being crossed by another runner in the early stages was then reluctant to race truly. He said in today’s race he formed the opinion shortly after the start that he would have to make too much use of HAPPY CERAMIBO to lead as VALIANT TROJAN was aggressively ridden to his inside in the early stages. He said for this reason he elected to remain racing in a one-off position so as to prevent HAPPY CERAMIBO having to race behind other runners. PSYCHOLOGIST and POSITIVE ENERGY were sent for sampling.