27/10/2013  Shatin  Race 3

When parading behind the barriers, KHARU was kicked by another runner. KHARU was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. SOLDIER, which was fractious in the barriers prior to the start, began awkwardly. FOREST COLOURS was crowded for room at the start between GOLDLAND DANCER and LA COTE DE BLEU which shifted out. KEEN TACTICS began awkwardly. From wide barriers, OUR MARCUS and GLOBAL FAME were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. In the early stages, LA COTE DE BLEU proved difficult to settle. Near the 1200 Metres, NICKU was crowded for room inside FOREST COLOURS which was taken in by KEEN TACTICS which itself was taken in by GOLDLAND DANCER (N Callan) which was attempting to obtain cover behind LA COTE DE BLEU. For a short distance after this, KEEN TACTICS continued to be awkwardly placed inside the heels of GOLDLAND DANCER. N Callan was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he leaves comfortable racing room for runners to his inside in future. Near the 950 Metres, SOLDIER commenced to travel keenly and shifted out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of WINNAM, resulting in FOREST COLOURS being crowded for room inside OUR MARCUS. In the early part of the Straight, MAJESTIC ANTHEM got its head on the side and lay in, resulting in GOLDLAND DANCER being taken in onto LA COTE DE BLEU. GOLDLAND DANCER then got its head on the side and was inclined to shift in away from MAJESTIC ANTHEM, causing further inconvenience to LA COTE DE BLEU. Passing the 600 Metres, NICKU lost ground when momentarily racing in restricted room inside FOREST COLOURS. Near the 300 Metres, NICKU was shifted in away from the heels of LA COTE DE BLEU which was giving ground. CLASSY VICTOR was unable to obtain clear running until passing the 300 Metres. WINNAM, which was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight, was steadied when again unable to secure clear running between KHARU and CLASSY VICTOR approaching and passing the 200 Metres. WINNAM was then shifted to the outside of CLASSY VICTOR approaching the 100 Metres to obtain clear running. Over the concluding stages, CLASSY VICTOR shifted out under pressure. WINNAM, which was following, was not able to be tested over the concluding stages when awkwardly placed close to the heels of CLASSY VICTOR. Throughout the race, GOLDLAND DANCER travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, M Chadwick stated that he had been asked to ride MAJESTIC ANTHEM in a handy position with cover but not ride it along to do so. He said in the early stages it appeared as though he would be able to obtain cover behind GOLDLAND DANCER and he attempted for some distance in the Back Straight to obtain this position, however, KEEN TACTICS maintained its position three wide behind GOLDLAND DANCER and for this reason he was not able to obtain cover behind that horse and was left racing very wide. He added on turning out of the Back Straight he allowed MAJESTIC ANTHEM to improve into a more forward position, however, GOLDLAND DANCER also improved its position with MAJESTIC ANTHEM and he felt that he would have had to make too much use of MAJESTIC ANTHEM to clear GOLDLAND DANCER to shift in to a position closer to the rail. He said for these reasons MAJESTIC ANTHEM travelled very wide and without cover throughout the race. A veterinary inspection of GOLDLAND DANCER and LA COTE DE BLEU immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. MAJESTIC ANTHEM, KEEN TACTICS and CLASSY VICTOR were sent for sampling.