08/10/2014  Shatin  Race 4

FLYING KEEPER was slow to begin and shortly after the start was bumped by KING HARADASUN which began awkwardly and shifted out. TRIUMPHANT WAY, which was leaning on the inside of its stall, began awkwardly. From wide barriers, HELEN’S CHOICE, SUPER TEAM and SHANGHAI PIONEER were taken across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 1300 Metres, LA COTE DE BLEU became unbalanced after shifting out and bumping TRIUMPHANT DRAGON. Near the 1200 Metres, SHANGHAI PIONEER, which was being steadied to obtain cover, got its head up when proving very difficult to settle and awkwardly placed close to the heels of TRIUMPHANT WAY. Approaching the 1000 Metres, TRIUMPHANT DRAGON was momentarily awkwardly placed inside ISLAND SPRING which shifted in. After the 1000 Metres, TRIUMPHANT WAY was left racing wide and without cover. Making the turn after the 900 Metres, LA COTE DE BLEU commenced to over-race and got its head up when being checked away from the heels of ARCHER’S BOW. LA COTE DE BLEU was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight. ARCHER’S BOW was unable to obtain clear running until passing the 250 Metres. FLYING KEEPER also had difficulty obtaining clear running until approaching the 200 Metres. For some distance after the 200 Metres, KING HARADASUN was steadied when disappointed for running between FLYING KEEPER and TRIUMPHANT WAY which shifted in slightly. Close to the finishing line, GOLDWEAVER raced tight inside ISLAND SPRING. For the majority of the race, FLORAL MAN travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of KING HARADASUN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. TRIUMPHANT DRAGON and LA COTE DE BLEU were sent for sampling.