11/06/2014  Shatin  Race 2

KING HARADASUN proved difficult to load. As this was the second occasion that KING HARADASUN had offended in recent times, the Stewards ruled that the horse must barrier trial satisfactorily before being permitted to race again. PEPPERMINT was slow to begin. From the outside barrier, KING HARADASUN was taken across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, ROBUST MOMENTUM was momentarily steadied away from the heels of GOLD TALENT which shifted in. Passing the 1000 Metres, VERDANE shifted in when awkwardly placed behind ROBUST MOMENTUM which lost ground when proving difficult to settle and racing close to the heels of GOLD TALENT. Approaching the 600 Metres, XILAI XIANZI struck the heels of KING’S FOLKS and blundered. KING HARADASUN, which was following, was steadied away from the heels of XILAI XIANZI in consequence. Approaching the 500 Metres, GOLD TALENT was steadied when disappointed for running between SUPERKING DRAGON and ROBUST MOMENTUM which improved quickly to the outside of GOLD TALENT when racing tight to the inside of VERDANE. Approaching the 200 Metres, ROBUST MOMENTUM, which was commencing to give ground, was momentarily steadied when crowded for room between VERDANE and GOLDLAND DANCER, both of which shifted ground. After the race, D Whyte reported that, despite being vigorously ridden along in the early stages, CHATER D’CAT did not show anticipated early speed and consequently raced towards the rear of the field. He said he placed CHATER D’CAT under pressure throughout the race, however, the horse was disappointing in its failure to travel at any stage or to close off the race. A veterinary inspection of CHATER D’CAT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GOLDLAND DANCER and RECORD AGAIN were sent for sampling.