27/10/2013  Shatin  Race 9

GOOD CHOICE shifted out at the start and bumped the hindquarters of ENDOWING, resulting in that horse becoming unbalanced. A short distance after the start, GOOD CHOICE was crowded for room between ENDOWING and LET ME HANDLE IT which shifted out. From the outside barrier, BANKSTERS BONUS was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Approaching and passing the 1100 Metres, GOOD CHOICE (K Teetan) proved difficult to settle before getting its head up when being checked away from the heels of WINNING LEADER near the 1000 Metres. GOOD CHOICE, which continued to over-race, then struck the heels of WINNING LEADER and blundered badly. EAGLE POWER, which was following GOOD CHOICE, was shifted out away from behind that horse and BANKSTERS BONUS, which was following, was also inconvenienced. After this, GOOD CHOICE continued to prove difficult to settle. K Teetan stated that after this incident GOOD CHOICE came off the bridle and did not travel comfortably. He said he placed the horse under pressure rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight, however, it did not respond to his riding and for this reason he eased the horse down over the final 200 Metres. After being awkwardly placed close to the heels of KING OF REASON rounding the Home Turn, OUTDOOR PEGASUS was then held up for clear running until near the 300 Metres. At the entrance to the Straight, WINNING LEADER was awkwardly placed behind RACING HERO and inside CHATER DREAM. WINNING LEADER was then held up for clear running until passing the 300 Metres. Approaching the 200 Metres, LET ME HANDLE IT was shifted to the inside of BUBBLE CHIC to continue improving. Passing the 200 Metres, OUTDOOR PEGASUS was steadied when disappointed for running between REGENCY KING and WINNING LEADER which shifted in. W M Lai (EAGLE POWER) was fined a sum of $2,000 for raising his whip arm above shoulder height in the Straight. When questioned, W C Marwing stated that he had been instructed to ride BUBBLE CHIC behind the leaders if possible from barrier 9. He said it was explained to him by the horse’s trainer, Mr D J Hall, that horses racing on the speed had been suited on today’s track and therefore he should attempt to have the horse positioned close to the lead but with cover if possible. He said as the start was effected BUBBLE CHIC lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently was slow to begin. He said he rode his mount along in the early stages to take up a forward position and when REGENCY KING and SUNNY YING were ridden from wider barriers to obtain leading positions, he followed those horses across in the hope that a position would open up behind them. He said however that KING OF REASON and RACING HERO maintained their positions to his inside and because of this, after the 1200 Metres, he was left racing in a three wide position without cover. A veterinary inspection of GOOD CHOICE and AGIAAL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. EAGLE POWER, WINNING LEADER and ENDOWING were sent for sampling.