21/09/2014  Shatin  Race 1

BALTIC WARRIOR began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped the hindquarters of INDIGO WAY and consequently lost ground. BEAUTY KING, which was leaning on the outside of its stall as the start was effected, was then ridden along in the early stages, however, failed to muster speed. MEDIC SWORDSMAN blundered on jumping and then shortly after the start was crowded for room between COLOURFUL PROFIT and MAC ROW which was taken in by DASHING SUPER. After the 1000 Metres, MEDIC SWORDSMAN raced tight inside MAC ROW (D Whyte) which shifted in. D Whyte was advised to exercise more care. Then near the 900 Metres, MEDIC SWORDSMAN became unbalanced when crowded for room between MAC ROW and BALTIC WARRIOR which shifted out when proving very difficult to settle and awkwardly placed close to the heels of BEAUTY KING. In this incident, MAC ROW was bumped and taken wider. After this, BALTIC WARRIOR continued to prove difficult to settle for some distance. Making the first turn near the 900 Metres, BEAUTY KING proved difficult to settle and got its head up. Near the 300 Metres, REAL GENERAL and WIN IT raced tight as REAL GENERAL shifted out to obtain clear running. Approaching and passing the 200 Metres, BALTIC WARRIOR was awkwardly placed outside the heels of SPICY DRAGON. Over the concluding stages, COLOURFUL PROFIT was awkwardly placed outside the heels of UNIQUE HAPPIEST. Throughout the race, UNIQUE HAPPIEST travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, D Whyte stated that he had not been given any specific instructions on where to position MAC ROW other than to obtain cover if at all possible. He said the circumstances of the race in the early stages resulted in him having to ride MAC ROW behind midfield in an endeavour to obtain a position with cover behind COLOURFUL PROFIT. He said after obtaining this position passing the 1000 Metres, MAC ROW was then taken wider on the first turn and this resulted in it having to travel four wide and often without cover after the 900 Metres. He added the circumstances of the race and tempo of the event, in his opinion, resulted in MAC ROW not being able to close off the race. A veterinary inspection of MAC ROW immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. MAC ROW, OSCAR MIRACLE and REAL GENERAL were sent for sampling.