08/12/2013  Shatin  Race 4

DANDINO was withdrawn on 7.12.13 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (right fore soft tissue injury). GALILEO ROCK was also withdrawn on 7.12.13 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (left fore soft tissue injury). FEUERBLITZ was slow to begin. DUNADEN was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. After passing the winning post on the first occasion, RED CADEAUX was left racing wide and without cover. EBIYZA lost its left hind plate near the 800 Metres. Approaching and passing the 600 Metres, THE FUGUE was awkwardly placed behind MOUNT ATHOS and inside EBIYZA. THE FUGUE was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight and was shifted to the outside of runners passing the 400 Metres into clear running. DUNADEN had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight and passing the 400 Metres shifted in and bumped MOUNT ATHOS. Passing the 300 Metres, MOUNT ATHOS and SEISMOS momentarily raced in restricted room inside DUNADEN which shifted in to obtain clear running. Over the concluding stages, SEISMOS raced in restricted room between LIBERATOR and MOUNT ATHOS. Throughout the race, ASUKA KURICHAN travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of MOUNT ATHOS, C Williams stated that he had worked the horse during the week and, in his opinion, this work was very encouraging. He said MOUNT ATHOS travelled keenly to the Start, however, in the early stages of the race had to be ridden along to maintain a forward position from a favourable barrier. He said MOUNT ATHOS travelled far too keenly throughout the race and would not relax despite the race being run at a good tempo. He said because of the manner in which MOUNT ATHOS travelled, the horse was then not able to finish off its race. He added that when under pressure in the Straight, MOUNT ATHOS got its head on the side and lay in. A veterinary inspection of MOUNT ATHOS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. DOMINANT and THE FUGUE were sent for sampling.