06/10/2013  Shatin  Race 1

NATURAL CHAMPION, which was leaning on the outside of its stall, began awkwardly and was slow to begin. After this, NATURAL CHAMPION was ridden along, however, failed to muster speed. For some distance after the 1200 Metres, JOLLY GOOD travelled keenly. When questioned, W M Lai stated that he had been asked to ride MIZZEN GREY in about 3rd or 4th position if possible. He said in the early stages he was prevented from shifting in due to JOLLY GOOD holding its ground inside MIZZEN GREY. He said after allowing PRECISION ERA to cross, he then attempted to obtain a position behind that horse approaching the 1200 Metres, however, at this time MOBILE KING shifted away from the rail to be positioned behind PRECISION ERA. He said this resulted in MIZZEN GREY being left in a three wide position without cover. He added although the tempo of the race was, in his opinion, only average, he did not consider riding MIZZEN GREY along to race near the lead to avoid racing three wide due to his instructions. He said he felt that were he have to make use of MIZZEN GREY in an attempt to cross PRECISION ERA and race outside of the leader, TRES MAGNIFIQUE, MIZZEN GREY may not be able to finish off its race. W M Lai was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, wherever possible, he should endeavour to ride his mounts in such a manner so as to prevent covering unnecessary ground. When questioned, Trainer D J Hall stated that at its last start, despite being ridden along in the early stages, TRES MAGNIFIQUE was not able to muster speed and consequently raced back in the field. He said after the race its rider, C O’Donoghue reported that TRES MAGNIFIQUE did not stretch out during that race and the more he rode the horse along in the early stages, the more the horse would not stretch out. He said in today’s race, with the step up in distance, TRES MAGNIFIQUE was able to obtain a forward position quite easily and the improvement in the horse’s performance could be attributed to it travelling more comfortably than it did at its first up run this season. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of MALHECHOR GOLD, K Teetan stated that although the horse began very awkwardly and lost some ground at the start, it began better than it did at its first up run this season after which the horse was required to barrier trial. He said although MALHECHOR GOLD was very slow to begin last start, the horse travelled stronger than it did today. He said apart from a brief period along the Back Straight, MALHECHOR GOLD did not travel well at any stage of today’s race and after the 1200 Metres he had to ride the horse along in an endeavour to have it maintain its position. He added as far out as 800 Metres, MALHECHOR GOLD was under pressure and subsequently failed to respond when placed under pressure. A veterinary inspection of MALHECHOR GOLD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. MALHECHOR GOLD, TRES MAGNIFIQUE and PRECISION ERA were sent for sampling.