16/03/2014  Shatin  Race 4

After beginning awkwardly, LIFE OF BEAUTY was crowded for room at the start by LET’S GOAL which shifted in after being bumped by KING’S FOLKS. From wide barriers, SUGAR CITY, ROBUST MOMENTUM and LITTLE WIND were all taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Approaching and passing the 1100 Metres, KISSMET travelled keenly and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of FLORAL MAN. KISSMET was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight and passing the 400 Metres shifted in and bumped KING’S FOLKS. KISSMET then continued to be held up for clear running and near the 250 Metres was shifted to the outside of LUCKY DAN when disappointed for running inside that horse. After being bumped by KISSMET, KING’S FOLKS also had difficulty obtaining clear running until near the 200 Metres. For some distance prior to and passing the 300 Metres, CELESTIAL SMILE raced in restricted room inside REALLY THE BEST when attempting to obtain tight running to the inside of that horse. Near the 200 Metres, REALLY THE BEST and INDUSTRIALIST WAY raced tight. For the majority of the race, LUCKY DAN travelled wide and without cover. T Berry explained that he had been asked, from barrier 11, to shift GRAND HARBOUR across behind runners in the early stages as the horse was attempting the 1600 Metres of today’s race for the first time. He said it was felt that it was in the best interests of GRAND HARBOUR for it to be ridden conservatively in the early and middle stages to ensure that it would be able to see out the distance of the race. CELESTIAL SMILE, REALLY THE BEST and INDUSTRIALIST WAY were sent for sampling.