24/11/2013  Shatin  Race 5

REALLY THE BEST shifted out at the start and bumped SURROUNDED. LIFE OF BEAUTY began awkwardly and then shifted out abruptly at the start, resulting in FOREVER AHEAD being crowded for room inside OCEAN POWER which was also crowded for room inside HONG KONG FAT which shifted in. SUPER HORSE was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. From the outside barrier, FLUKE was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. For some distance approaching the 1100 Metres, LIFE OF BEAUTY was awkwardly placed close to the heels of REAL GENERAL. At the 400 Metres, SUPER HORSE was shifted to the inside of HONG KONG FAT to obtain clear running. Near the 350 Metres, OCEAN POWER was struck across the nose by the whip of C Y Ho (DANESOUTH). Approaching the 300 Metres, OPTIMIZATION STAR was shifted out across the heels of OCEAN POWER to obtain clear running. HONG KONG FAT was not able to obtain clear running over the final 100 Metres and because of this was not able to be properly tested. MALHECHOR GOLD, which was following HONG KONG FAT, was held up for clear running in consequence. SUPER HORSE also had difficulty obtaining clear running over the concluding stages. FOREVER AHEAD lost its right hind plate near the 100 Metres. Throughout the race, DANESOUTH travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of LIFE OF BEAUTY, M L Yeung stated that at its last start the horse became somewhat detached from the main body of the field despite being vigorously ridden along. He said from a better barrier today, he had been asked to have LIFE OF BEAUTY begin well if possible and then obtain a position in about midfield. He said after beginning awkwardly, he rode his mount along and due to the circumstances of the race LIFE OF BEAUTY was positioned slightly more forward than had been anticipated. He said LIFE OF BEAUTY travelled strongly during the race and he expected it to quicken well when placed under pressure. He said however that after commencing to ride LIFE OF BEAUTY along rounding the Home Turn, the horse did not respond as he expected. He added although he was awkwardly placed outside HONG KONG FAT for some distance in the Straight, nonetheless the horse was disappointing in that it did not show any turn of foot as it had done previously. He said because of the manner in which LIFE OF BEAUTY raced today, he was of the opinion that the horse may be better suited by being ridden quietly and brought to the outside of runners to make its finishing run. A veterinary inspection of LIFE OF BEAUTY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. LET ME GO and REAL GENERAL were sent for sampling.