14/09/2014  Shatin  Race 7

CULTURAL CITY and HAPPY ROCKY began awkwardly. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, MARK TWO, which began awkwardly, failed to muster speed and then, for the majority of the race, travelled wide and without cover. After the 1000 Metres, DEMOKLES was left racing wide and without cover. After the 900 Metres, LIBERAL OF MIND was awkwardly placed close to the heels of GRAND HARBOUR. Making the turn after the 900 Metres, HIT A HOME RUN raced tight between VARA PEARL and WATCH KING which shifted out. In the early part of the Straight, HIT A HOME RUN was held up for clear running when awkwardly placed close to the heels of MARK TWO. For some distance after the 300 Metres, VARA PEARL had difficulty obtaining clear running and then when attempting to improve between HIT A HOME RUN and GRAND HARBOUR made contact with HIT A HOME RUN on several occasions. When questioned, K Teetan stated that he had been asked to ensure that he obtained cover on GRAND HARBOUR. He said he was further asked not to ride the horse along in the early stages but it was felt that GRAND HARBOUR would have sufficient natural speed to obtain a handy position and it was hoped that the horse would be able to follow HIDDEN VALUE which connections believed would be a strong chance in today’s race. He said after GRAND HARBOUR began well, he shifted across to race outside HIDDEN VALUE, however, DEMOKLES was being aggressively ridden to the inside of GRAND HARBOUR. He said he believed if he continued to race outside HIDDEN VALUE, GRAND HARBOUR would be left racing wide and without cover which was contrary to his instructions. He said he therefore elected to steady GRAND HARBOUR and obtain cover which he was able to do behind VARA PEARL after the 1000 Metres. He said he was comfortable in this position as GRAND HARBOUR was travelling well and he had been able to obtain cover as requested. He added however that approaching the 700 Metres GRAND HARBOUR was taken wider by HIT A HOME RUN which shifted out and this resulted in GRAND HARBOUR being taken into a four wide position without cover. He said he therefore elected to allow GRAND HARBOUR to stride forward rather than being taken wider still. He said in the Straight GRAND HARBOUR hung in and proved difficult to ride but was still able to finish off the race. HIT A HOME RUN, HIDDEN VALUE and GRAND HARBOUR were sent for sampling.