20/12/2014  Shatin  Race 2

Whilst in the saddling stalls, TRIUMPHANT WAY had its left front plate refitted. TRIUMPHANT WAY was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. CARE FREE ELEGANCE began awkwardly and shortly after the start was crowded for room between TRIUMPHANT WAY and YOUNG HAPPY which shifted in after being bumped by OPTIMIZATION STAR. After this, CARE FREE ELEGANCE was shifted across behind runners. Shortly after the start, JUN JU was shifted across from a wide barrier. YOUNG HAPPY and TRIUMPHANT WAY were held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight. Near the 350 Metres, BRIGHT CONCEPT was steadied when crowded for room between KING ON EARTH (H W Lai) which shifted ground when hanging in and being ridden along and PRECIOUS GEM (W M Lai) which shifted out under pressure. Both H W Lai and W M Lai were severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that they make every endeavour to prevent their mounts from shifting ground in similar circumstances. LA COTE DE BLEU was held up for clear running until after the 300 Metres. JUN JU was unable to obtain clear running until approaching the 250 Metres. At the 200 Metres, BRIGHT CONCEPT raced tight when improving into narrow running between KING ON EARTH and PRECIOUS GEM. Throughout the race, JUN HAO travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, Z Purton stated that after riding BRIGHT CONCEPT at its most recent start, he suggested to connections that they consider riding the horse more patiently as it did not finish off the race as anticipated. He said when BRIGHT CONCEPT drew wide in today’s race, it was agreed that he should shift the horse across behind runners in the early stages and obtain cover rather than having to make use of it to obtain a forward position. When questioned, C Y Ho stated that he had been asked to ride OPTIMIZATION STAR positively if the horse began well. He said it was hoped that OPTIMIZATION STAR might be able to obtain a position behind the leaders with cover if the circumstances of the race allowed. He said after OPTIMIZATION STAR began well, he rode the horse along and immediately attempted to obtain a position with cover behind the speed, however, approaching the 1000 Metres he was left racing in a four wide position without cover, therefore he elected to allow his mount to stride forward to obtain a position closer to the rail, however, at all times OPTIMIZATION STAR was obliged to race three wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of PRECIOUS GEM and KING ON EARTH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GOLD PRECIOUS and JUN JU were sent for sampling.