08/12/2013  Shatin  Race 7

XTENSION was crowded for room on jumping between GLORIOUS DAYS and KING KREESA which shifted out. After this, XTENSION was then taken across behind runners. From the outside barrier, SHAMALGAN was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Passing the 1500 Metres, GORDON LORD BYRON momentarily raced tight between REAL SPECIALIST and HELENE SPIRIT which was awkwardly placed inside the heels of DAN EXCEL which was racing tight inside the heels of GOLD-FUN. Passing the 1400 Metres, REAL SPECIALIST momentarily raced in restricted room between PURE CHAMPION which got its head on the side and proved difficult to settle and GOLD-FUN which shifted in. After the 1400 Metres, GORDON LORD BYRON commenced to prove very difficult to settle and shifted out after being awkwardly placed close to the heels of REAL SPECIALIST. GORDON LORD BYRON then continued to prove difficult to settle and near the 1300 Metres was steadied when racing tight between REAL SPECIALIST and MOONLIGHT CLOUD. After the 900 Metres, MOONLIGHT CLOUD was left racing wide and without cover. GLORIOUS DAYS lost its right hind plate near the 600 Metres. Rounding the Home Turn, PACKING WHIZ was awkwardly placed close to the heels of GORDON LORD BYRON. Passing the 350 Metres, MOONLIGHT CLOUD and GLORIOUS DAYS bumped. KING KREESA became unbalanced when giving ground near the 200 Metres. In this incident, KING KREESA shifted in and bumped the hindquarters of PURE CHAMPION which became unbalanced. After the 200 Metres, GORDON LORD BYRON briefly raced in restricted room when improving into tight running between DAN EXCEL and REAL SPECIALIST. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SKY LANTERN, R Hughes stated that he was able to obtain a good position in the run behind MOONLIGHT CLOUD. He said he became concerned that SKY LANTERN was not improving into the race as he anticipated it would after the 600 Metres. He said he placed SKY LANTERN under pressure to maintain its position behind MOONLIGHT CLOUD, however, in the early part of the Straight SKY LANTERN came under extreme pressure and shortened stride. He added he rode SKY LANTERN out to the end of the race hands and heels, however, the filly was very disappointing. A veterinary inspection of SKY LANTERN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GLORIOUS DAYS and GOLD-FUN were sent for sampling.