05/10/2014  Shatin  Race 1

BORNFREE began only fairly. FOREST COLOURS shifted in at the start and bumped KING OF SMARTS. From a wide barrier, SHIFACHI TRADITION was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. In the early stages, LYRIC ACE got its head up when proving difficult to settle. For some distance after the 700 Metres, LYRIC ACE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of KING OF SMARTS. Approaching and passing the 200 Metres, FOREST COLOURS got its head on the side and lay in under pressure. When questioned, Apprentice K C Ng (FOREST COLOURS) said that after obtaining a position behind TRAVEL MASTER at the 1000 Metres, he rode his mount along to maintain that position and so as not to allow LYRIC ACE, which at that time was racing to the outside of FOREST COLOURS, to shift in in front of FOREST COLOURS and obtain cover. He said however that FOREST COLOURS did not respond to his urgings and rather than continuing to push his mount with the first turn approaching, he elected not to continue to pursue this position. HAPPY GOAL and LYRIC ACE were sent for sampling.