21/02/2015  Shatin  Race 11

ASIA RISING began only fairly. SUPER TALENT shifted in at the start and bumped MASQUERADER. As the start was effected, GOOD TREASURE lifted its front feet off the ground and began very awkwardly and then shortly after the start shifted out abruptly and bumped the hindquarters of STRONG FOUNDATION. After this, GOOD TREASURE was shifted across behind runners. Also from a wide barrier, BRAVE BROTHER was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Shortly after the start, DIVINE DIYA raced in restricted room between UP AND COMING and FLYING MOOCHI which shifted in. For some distance in the early stages, FLYING MOOCHI got its head up when proving difficult to settle. After the 1000 Metres, DASHING FELLOW got its head up when being checked away from the heels of GORGEOUS LEGEND which throughout the race travelled wide and without cover. At the 500 Metres, FLYING MOOCHI was crowded for room between ANDNOWURMINE and DIVINE DIYA (U Rispoli) which shifted out. U Rispoli was advised to exercise more care when shifting ground. At the entrance to the Straight, STRONG FOUNDATION was awkwardly placed behind ANDNOWURMINE. BIG FOUR, which was following STRONG FOUNDATION, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse in consequence. GOOD TREASURE was badly held up for clear running until passing the 300 Metres at which time the horse was shifted to the inside of ANDNOWURMINE to obtain clear running. When shifting ground, GOOD TREASURE bumped FLYING MOOCHI which was giving ground. Over the concluding stages, GOOD TREASURE raced in restricted room between DASHING FELLOW and SUPER TALENT. When questioned, M Demuro stated that he had been asked to ride ANDNOWURMINE positively in the early stages as the horse was stepping up in distance to the 1400 Metres of today’s race. He said he had hoped to obtain cover on ANDNOWURMINE as the horse had raced well at its last start when ridden in this manner. He said due to the circumstances of the race in the early stages he was left racing wide outside MASQUERADER. He said although ANDNOWURMINE was obliged to race three wide without cover after the 1000 Metres, he felt that the tempo of the race at this time was fair and therefore he was reluctant to pressure ANDNOWURMINE to improve its position in the hope of racing closer to the rail. He said the tempo of the race steadied up somewhat after the 800 Metres, however, ANDNOWURMINE was travelling well at this time. He said however that ANDNOWURMINE came under pressure after the 500 Metres and did not respond as well as it did at its last start. He added, despite being placed under pressure, ANDNOWURMINE weakened noticeably in the Straight and, in his opinion, the horse was reluctant to fully stretch out. He said after the race he was not able to detect any specific soundness issue with ANDNOWURMINE, however, the manner in which the horse weakened in the Straight was most concerning. A veterinary inspection of ANDNOWURMINE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of ANDNOWURMINE was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, ANDNOWURMINE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SUPER TALENT, UP AND COMING and DIVINE DIYA were sent for sampling.