24/01/2016  Shatin  Race 3

On arrival at the Start, it was noted that HURRY HURRY UP had lost its left front plate which necessitated the horse having to be reshod and the start of the race delayed. Also on arrival at the Start, it was noted that BE THERE AHEAD had blood in its mouth. BE THERE AHEAD was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. SMART PLANET was slow to begin. RAY OF GOLD began only fairly and then shortly after the start was shifted across behind runners. Shortly after the start, FORTUNE TERRITORY became unbalanced when crowded for room between BE THERE AHEAD which initially shifted out and ENJOY THE GAME which shifted in after being brushed by AMBITIOUS SPEEDY. For some distance after the 1300 Metres, JOY TOGETHER proved very difficult to settle when racing outside the lead. ORACLE had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. After being unable to establish clear running to the inside of HURRY HURRY UP for some distance after the 400 Metres, RUGBY AMBASSADOR was checked away from the heels of HURRY HURRY UP near the 200 Metres when disappointed for running inside that horse which was giving ground. Approaching the 300 Metres, RAY OF GOLD was checked out away from the heels of BE THERE AHEAD which was shifting out. Also approaching the 300 Metres, PERFECT TIMING got its head up when unable to obtain clear running behind AMBITIOUS SPEEDY and inside ORACLE. Then passing the 200 Metres, PERFECT TIMING was shifted out away from the heels of JOY TOGETHER which was giving ground. Throughout the race, FRIENDS FOREVER travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the improved performance of FORTUNE TERRITORY, Trainer W Y So stated he was surprised that FORTUNE TERRITORY was able to be successful. He said the horse had experienced blood in its trachea previously, however, he did not change its work in the lead up to today's race. He said FORTUNE TERRITORY had been disappointing since the start of the season as he believed that the horse could be competitive in Class 5, however, its form did not reflect this. He added with a better draw today, he had asked for the horse to be given a good warm up in the hope that it could obtain a midfield position with a strong rider engaged, however, he did not anticipate that FORTUNE TERRITORY would be a strong chance in today's race. A veterinary inspection of HURRY HURRY UP immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. A veterinary inspection of JOY TOGETHER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FORTUNE TERRITORY and BE THERE AHEAD were sent for sampling.