01/03/2015  Shatin  Race 10

GOLDEN SLEEP began only fairly and shortly after the start was bumped by ANTICIPATION which shifted in. ANTICIPATION then became unbalanced, shifted out and bumped TOP ACE which also became unbalanced. OBLITERATOR began awkwardly and shortly after the start was shifted across behind runners. PACKING LLAREGYB was also shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After the 1700 Metres, GOLDEN SLEEP commenced to prove difficult to settle and got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of MR GNOCCHI. For a considerable distance after this, GOLDEN SLEEP continued to prove very difficult to settle. After the 1500 Metres, OBLITERATOR got its head up on a number of occasions when being steadied to obtain a position with cover behind GUN PIT. For some distance after the 1100 Metres, PACKING LLAREGYB and OBLITERATOR raced tight as OBLITERATOR attempted to shift in behind GUN PIT to obtain a position with cover. Passing the 1000 Metres, PACKING LLAREGYB and OBLITERATOR then bumped on a number of occasions due to PACKING LLAREGYB maintaining its position behind GUN PIT. Rounding the Home Turn, CLUB LIFE got its head on the side and lay out. ASHKIYR was badly held up for clear running until passing the 150 Metres. When questioned, O Doleuze stated that he had been asked to obtain a forward position on FLAME HERO consistent with the manner in which the horse was ridden at its most recent start when successful over 1600 Metres. He said on that occasion FLAME HERO was able to obtain the lead in the early stages due to the average tempo of the race at that time. He said in today’s race he rode his mount along in the early stages to take up a forward position, however, runners drawn more favourably than FLAME HERO showed more early speed and, despite riding his mount along, he was not able to position FLAME HERO in order to cross those runners to his inside. He said as the tempo of the race in the early stages was good, he felt it was in the best interests of FLAME HERO to obtain a position with cover rather than continue to ride it along in the hope of obtaining a forward position in a race where the sectionals in the early and middle stages were particularly quick. He added after the 1000 Metres FLAME HERO was left racing wide and without cover in a position further back than had been intended. He said FLAME HERO came under heavy pressure rounding the Home Turn and then in the Straight gave ground noticeably. He said whilst FLAME HERO raced very disappointingly, there were a number of circumstances with today’s race as compared to its last start when the horse was successful. A veterinary inspection of FLAME HERO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of FLAME HERO, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, FLAME HERO will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, M L Yeung (CLUB LIFE) reported that his saddle shifted back near the 1400 Metres, placing him at a disadvantage for the remainder of the race. A veterinary inspection of PACKING LLAREGYB and OBLITERATOR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CONTENTMENT and MR GNOCCHI were sent for sampling.