14/06/2015  Shatin  Race 11

ROYAL PARTNER began awkwardly. From an outside barrier, BRILLIANT SHINE was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Near the 1250 Metres, VICTORY MAGIC was steadied away from the heels of APOLLO’S CHOICE (D Lane) which shifted in when not quite clear. D Lane was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in future. Throughout the race, SICHUAN VIGOUR travelled wide and without cover and near the 1000 Metres was taken wider by FANTASTIC KAKA which shifted out away from the heels of CONTENTMENT when proving difficult to settle. Passing the 800 Metres, BRILLIANT SHINE proved difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions when awkwardly placed close to the heels of SECRET WEAPON. Near the 700 Metres, VICTORY MAGIC shifted out marginally and was awkwardly placed inside the hindquarters of SANTA FE SUN. VICTORY MAGIC was held up for clear running from on straightening until near the 250 Metres. VICTORY MAGIC then again had difficulty obtaining clear running after the 200 Metres. FANTASTIC KAKA was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight. On two occasions in the early part of the Straight, APOLLO’S CHOICE became unbalanced after being bumped by TRAVEL FIRST which shifted out. Approaching the 300 Metres, ROYAL PARTNER got its head on the side, shifted out and raced tight inside BRILLIANT SHINE. After the race, D Whyte (SECRET WEAPON) reported that his mount began awkwardly and lost ground. He said after this he had to ride SECRET WEAPON along to obtain a position with cover behind midfield. He said when placed under pressure in the Straight, SECRET WEAPON did not let down as it had done in its previous races. He added, in his opinion, SECRET WEAPON may not have backed up from its run two weeks ago. He said prior to that SECRET WEAPON had always had its runs well spaced and it may race better when able to have some time between its races. A veterinary inspection of SECRET WEAPON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SECRET WEAPON, CONTENTMENT and LET ME GO were sent for sampling.