21/04/2014  Shatin  Race 8

On arrival at the Start, Z Purton expressed concern regarding the action of PERFECT JOY. PERFECT JOY was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said after the necessary consultations that the horse was suitable to race. I SMELL MONEY began only fairly, shifted in at the start and in doing so made contact with PERFECT JOY. A short distance later, I SMELL MONEY raced in restricted room between PERFECT JOY and INVICTUS. CHANCELLOR began very awkwardly, resulting in its rider, Apprentice K C Ng, becoming badly unbalanced. From wide barriers, NICE FOLKS and ENDORSING were taken across behind runners in the early stages. Making the turn after the winning post on the first occasion, DRAGON GLORY, GOOD CHOICE and WINNING APEX were all hampered when INVICTUS was taken out slightly by I SMELL MONEY which made the turn awkwardly. ENDORSING got its head up and shifted out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of NICE FOLKS after the 1300 Metres. AXIOM, which was racing outside ENDORSING, was inconvenienced. Making the turn near the 900 Metres, PERFECT JOY was awkwardly placed close to the heels of INVICTUS. After the 900 Metres, INVICTUS was left racing wide and without cover. Passing the 800 Metres, DRAGON GORY got its head on the side, shifted in and in doing so hampered GOOD CHOICE. Near the 100 Metres, AXIOM raced tight inside PERFECT JOY which lay in. In the Straight, MAJESTIC ANTHEM got its head on the side and lay in under pressure. When questioned, M Chadwick advised that he had been asked to ride AXIOM patiently due to its wide barrier and the anticipated fast tempo of the race. He said it had been explained to him that on occasions when AXIOM had had to be ridden forward from unfavourable draws, the horse had not been able to finish off its races. He said today when ridden at the rear of the field, AXIOM closed off the race well. A veterinary inspection of WINNING APEX immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the Veterinary Officer reported that a complete endoscopic examination was unable to be performed on the horse. A veterinary inspection of I SMELL MONEY and DRAGON GLORY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. INVICTUS, MAJESTIC ANTHEM and OLE OLE were sent for sampling.