09/11/2013  Shatin  Race 7

At the start, JAEGER BOMB, which was leaning on the outside of its stall, began awkwardly and then shortly after the start was steadied away from the heels of SEA WARRIOR which shifted out. Shortly after the start, SMART PLANET became unbalanced after being bumped by FURIO which was in turn bumped by LAUGH OUT LOUD. After this, SMART PLANET was taken across behind runners. From a wide barrier, THE WAY FOR ALL was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Passing the 1000 Metres, LONGWAH SUPREME was steadied away from the heels of MR GOURMET which was shifted out to prevent causing interference to COUNTRY CHARM which was over-racing. OMOTESANDO, which was following LONGWAH SUPREME, was hampered in consequence. Near the 750 Metres, HEARTS KEEPER commenced to over-race and shifted out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of ABLE WARRIOR, resulting in SEA WARRIOR being taken wider. HEARTS KEEPER continued to prove difficult to settle and approaching the 600 Metres shifted out away from the heels of LAUGH OUT LOUD, resulting in SEA WARRIOR again being taken wider. Then after the 600 Metres, HEARTS KEEPER raced tight between LAUGH OUT LOUD and SEA WARRIOR. Shortly after entering the Straight, HEARTS KEEPER was shifted to the outside of SEA WARRIOR when disappointed for running between that horse and ABLE WARRIOR which shifted to the outside of LAUGH OUT LOUD into clear running. Passing the 300 Metres, SMART PLANET got its head up and shifted out abruptly away from the heels of COUNTRY CHARM which shifted out. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of OMOTESANDO, which was having its first race start in Hong Kong today, J Moreira stated that after being loaded OMOTESANDO was fractious and as the start was effected lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently began only fairly. He said because of this he was not able to ride the horse in a handy position as he had been instructed. He said when racing back in the field, OMOTESANDO raced greenly and shifted ground on a number of occasions. He added OMOTESANDO came under pressure to maintain its position at the 600 Metres and prior to the Home Turn got its head on the side and lay out. He said he placed OMOTESANDO under pressure in the Straight, however, the horse did not respond to his riding and, in his opinion, was disappointing. A veterinary inspection of OMOTESANDO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of OMOTESANDO, a favourite for today’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, OMOTESANDO will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that ABLE WARRIOR had bled from both nostrils. A veterinary inspection of LAUGH OUT LOUD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. OMOTESANDO, AEROVELOCITY and HEARTS KEEPER were sent for sampling.