11/01/2014  Shatin  Race 10

BEST SHOW, which kicked a rail on the way to the Start, was examined by the Veterinary Officer on arrival at the Start who said the horse was suitable to race. FLEET COMMAND, which was fractious after being loaded, was slow to begin. GALAXY PRANCER and BUNDLE OF LOVE bumped at the start. In the early stages, PERFECT CHEERS proved difficult to settle. After the 900 Metres, VICTORIUS was left racing wide and without cover. After the 700 Metres, NOBLE ALPHA momentarily raced in restricted room between VICTORIUS and PERFECT CHEERS which shifted out slightly when awkwardly placed close to the heels of NEW VISION. Near the 250 Metres, WINNING LEADER momentarily raced in restricted room between VICTORIUS and GALAXY PRANCER which shifted out. When questioned, M Demuro stated that he was advised that GALAXY PRANCER had previously proved difficult to settle in its races and as it was anticipated that today’s race would be run at a good tempo, he was asked to ensure that GALAXY PRANCER was able to obtain cover and was able to settle in the race. He said after receiving this advice, he was reluctant to ride his mount along in the early stages as he did not want to have it over-race. He said he shifted GALAXY PRANCER across behind runners in the early stages to follow the favourite WINNING LEADER. He added rounding the first turn whilst there was somewhat a margin between his mount and the runner in front, he was reluctant at this time to ride it along given the horse's previous racing manners as were explained to him. He said rounding the Home Turn he saved ground and was able to improve into the race nicely and in the Straight GALAXY PRANCER finished off the race well. Trainer K L Man confirmed the instructions and informed the Stewards that he had advised Jockey Demuro that he did not want the horse ridden along in the early stages and racing keenly as a result. He said he had hoped for GALAXY PRANCER to be closer in the run today from barrier 7, however, was pleased to see that the horse did not over-race and consequently was able to finish off its race. M Demuro was advised to ensure that he does not leave his mounts with too much to do in their races. When questioned regarding the performance of WINNING LEADER, Z Purton stated that approaching the 900 Metres WINNING LEADER and SEA DIAMOND raced tight. He said after this WINNING LEADER was racing close to the heels of runners in front as, in his opinion, the tempo of the race steadied at this time. He said WINNING LEADER came under pressure rounding the Home Turn when the field quickened and after being shifted out finished off the race satisfactorily, in his opinion, given the circumstances of the race. A veterinary inspection of WINNING LEADER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SEA DIAMOND, D Whyte stated that after being fractious in the barriers, SEA DIAMOND bounded in the air and consequently lost ground. He said it had been intended for SEA DIAMOND to be ridden back in the field, however, not as far back as was the case due to the horse's poor beginning. He said he was able to obtain cover behind VICTORIUS after the 1100 Metres. He added after being bumped by WINNING LEADER approaching the 900 Metres, SEA DIAMOND commenced to travel keenly, however, in his opinion was still travelling well enough to finish off the race. He said after being shifted to the outside of VICTORIUS at the entrance to the Straight, SEA DIAMOND initially quickened well, however, did not sustain its run and was disappointing in its failure to close off the race. A veterinary inspection of SEA DIAMOND immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. WINNING LEADER, NEW VISION and BUNDLE OF LOVE were sent for sampling.