21/12/2013  Shatin  Race 5

EAGLE SPIRIT began awkwardly. From the outside barrier, JOLLY GOOD was taken across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the 1600 Metres, SUPER STRIKE proved difficult to settle and got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of OWNERS’ GLORY. SMART GUY, which was following, was hampered in consequence. SMART GUY had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight and after the 200 Metres was shifted to the inside of MALHECHOR GOLD after being awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse which was taken out by MAGNUMOUS which shifted ground when weakening. In the Straight, CARTOON FAY FAY was unable to obtain clear running until passing the 200 Metres. Over the concluding stages, SPICY SIAM and CARTOON FAY FAY raced tight as SPICY SIAM shifted out. Throughout the race, MALAYAN PEARL travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, O Doleuze stated that he had been asked to lead on PRECISION ERA if possible. He said after riding his mount positively in the early stages, it was clear to him that PRECISION ERA was not showing sufficient pace to lead and for this reason he elected to take a trailing position behind MAGNUMOUS which was racing outside the leader NAMJONG TURBO. He said due to the slow tempo of the race he shifted out from behind MAGNUMOUS after the 800 Metres and allowed his mount to improve as it had been explained to him that PRECISION ERA is one-paced and that the horse would benefit from being allowed to increase the tempo prior to the Home Turn. He added that PRECISION ERA initially improved easily outside MAGNUMOUS, however, approaching the 500 Metres quickly came under pressure and commenced to lay in. He said as PRECISION ERA was laying in, he shifted that horse out rounding the Home Turn and commenced to ride it along, however, PRECISION ERA came under heavy pressure on entering the Straight and then afterwards gave ground noticeably. A veterinary inspection of PRECISION ERA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of OWNERS’ GLORY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SPICY SIAM and CARTOON FAY FAY were sent for sampling.