25/10/2015  Shatin  Race 7

PRINCE FALCON began awkwardly and lost ground. TRAVEL AMBASSADOR shifted in at the start and got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of GOOD GOOD VIEW. From the outside barrier, WINNING INSTINCT was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After the 800 Metres, PO CHING TREASURE was taken wide and without cover when MARVEL HERO shifted to the outside of DASHING SUPER. Passing the 700 Metres, PRINCE FALCON was awkwardly placed close to the heels of LAUGH OUT LOUD. At the entrance to the Straight, TODOS CON SUERTE became unbalanced after attempting to shift out from behind DASHING SUPER and bumping COLOSSUS. Passing the 400 Metres, M L Yeung (WINNAM) dropped his whip. For the majority of the race, GLORIOUS SUN travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, C Schofield (GOOD GOOD VIEW) stated that with the rail placement today, a number of horses had been able to race well after obtaining runs close to the rail. He said passing the 600 Metres he was positioned behind the favourite KIRAM which he expected a strong chance to win the race. He said although it was available for him to improve slightly to the outside of that horse and inside PRINCE FALCON, he felt that it was a better option to remain closer to the inside and follow KIRAM through as that horse improved its position between runners. C Schofield was advised that the Stewards noted his explanation, however, he must ensure that, wherever possible, he does not leave his mounts with too much to do. When questioned regarding the improved performance of SERGEANT TITANIUM, Trainer J Size stated that the horse's preparation thus far largely mirrored that of its first up campaign when it raced well at its first start before disappointing in its subsequent race. He said he was satisfied with SERGEANT TITANIUM's first up run this season as the horse was not beaten far. He said subsequent to that run, SERGEANT TITANIUM did well and he expected the horse to race competitively, however, he was mindful that it had disappointed second up at the previous campaign. He said despite being afforded every opportunity, SERGEANT TITANIUM was again disappointing second up this campaign and because of this he subsequently barrier trialed the horse on 16 October 2015. He added SERGEANT TITANIUM performed very well in this barrier trial, given the standard of competition, and as SERGEANT TITANIUM had improved its performance further into its last campaign, he anticipated that the horse may again race well today. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of TRAVEL AMBASSADOR, D Whyte stated that whilst he did not ride the horse at its first up run in Hong Kong, it had performed well on a track rated "Good to Yielding". He said on today's "Good to Firm" surface, TRAVEL AMBASSADOR travelled satisfactorily in the early stages of the race, however, when placed under pressure, did not let down as he expected and, in his opinion, was not suited by today's racing surface. A veterinary inspection of TRAVEL AMBASSADOR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of WINNING INSTINCT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. TRAVEL AMBASSADOR, SERGEANT TITANIUM and KIRAM were sent for sampling.