01/06/2014  Shatin  Race 2

After being loaded, MARTIAL KING became fractious and reared. Before being allowed to race again, MARTIAL KING will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. TERRIFIC MASTER was slow to begin. From a wide barrier, HAPPY CENTENARY was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 1700 Metres, HOLY MAC was momentarily steadied away from the heels of TERRIFIC MASTER which was taken in by OXFORD CHARLEY (H Bowman). H Bowman was advised to exercise more care. Near the 1400 Metres, TERRIFIC MASTER was hampered after attempting to improve its position between MALAYAN PEARL and HAPPY CENTENARY which was being shifted in. As the Stewards were satisfied that TERRIFIC MASTER and HAPPY CENTENARY made contact as both horses were attempting to obtain the same position simultaneously, no further action was taken. Passing the 900 Metres, MARTIAL KING got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of TERRIFIC MASTER. At the 200 Metres, TERRIFIC MASTER, which was shifting in, became unbalanced after being directed out away from SPIRIT SOARING which shifted out under pressure. Over the concluding stages, MALAYAN PEARL was awkwardly placed inside the heels of SPIRIT SOARING. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of OXFORD CHARLEY, H Bowman stated that his mount was able to take up a good position when the pace of the race in the early stages was moderate. He said after PRECIOUS GEM obtained the lead, the pace of the race became more genuine and after the 1400 Metres he became concerned with the manner in which OXFORD CHARLEY was travelling. He said he had to ride his mount along after the 800 Metres to prevent THANKSGIVING from shifting out to its inside as having in mind that OXFORD CHARLEY was not travelling well and he did not want the horse to cover unnecessary ground. He said as he had to continue to vigorously ride OXFORD CHARLEY along in an attempt to prevent THANKSGIVING from shifting out, this resulted in THANKSGIVING and OXFORD CHARLEY racing tight for some distance after the 700 Metres. He added OXFORD CHARLEY commenced to give ground in the early part of the Straight and, in his opinion, was disappointing. A veterinary inspection of OXFORD CHARLEY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of MARTIAL KING immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. MALAYAN PEARL, TERRIFIC MASTER and SPIRIT SOARING were sent for sampling.