19/01/2014  Shatin  Race 5

GREAT STORIES lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected and consequently was slow to begin. GREAT STORIES was then bumped by FASTER MORE which began awkwardly and shifted in abruptly. FASTER MORE then continued to shift in and bumped OPTIMIZATION STAR which became unbalanced. JOLLY GOOD STAR began only fairly. From a wide barrier, WINNAM was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 1250 Metres, KING HARADASUN momentarily raced tight inside CLASSY VICTOR which was then directed out to relieve the tightening. After the 1000 Metres, HO WONGCHOY was awkwardly placed close to the heels of KING HARADASUN. Rounding the Home Turn, GRAND CHAMPION and DRAGON GLORY (O Doleuze) raced tight. O Doleuze was warned against the practice of extending his elbow away from his body when racing tight with other runners. FASTER MORE was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight. Near the 350 Metres, JACK’S GEM was bumped by CLASSY VICTOR which shifted in. After this, CLASSY VICTOR got its head on the side and lay in, resulting in FASTER MORE being awkwardly placed inside the heels of that horse passing the 300 Metres. Near the 200 Metres, KING HARADASUN was steadied and shifted out across the heels of GREAT STORIES when crowded for room between that horse and HO WONGCHOY (U Rispoli) which shifted out under pressure. U Rispoli was reprimanded and advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Passing the 200 Metres, OPTIMIZATION STAR, which had some difficulty obtaining clear running, was held up behind CLASSY VICTOR. Over the concluding stages, FASTER MORE, which was finishing off the race, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of FANTASTIC KAKA. Because of this, FASTER MORE was not able to be fully ridden out all the way to the end of the race. Throughout the race, FANTASTIC KAKA travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of CLASSY VICTOR, KING HARADASUN and GRAND CHAMPION immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FANTASTIC KAKA and WINNAM were sent for sampling.