08/10/2016  Shatin  Race 2

PEACE ON EARTH was withdrawn on 7.10.16 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter INVISIBLE. Before being allowed to race again, PEACE ON EARTH will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SOCCER BRAVE was slow to begin. PRINCE FALCON began only fairly. MASTER PINNACLE began awkwardly and shortly after the start was crowded for room between LUCKY SEBRING and STORM KID which began awkwardly and shifted out. At the 1050 Metres, O’SOCOOLE raced tight inside LEAN JOURNEY which got its head on the side and shifted in away from RUGBY DIAMOND. Near the 900 Metres, LEAN JOURNEY got its head on the side and commenced to lay out. Then near the 850 Metres, LEAN JOURNEY was checked when continuing to lay out and racing tight inside GOLDEN GUNNERS which was taken in by FREE NOVEMBER (O Bosson). O Bosson was advised that whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the racing manners of LEAN JOURNEY had contributed significantly to this incident, nonetheless he was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he leaves comfortable racing room for his fellow riders and he is clear of other runners when shifting ground. After the 800 Metres, STORM KID was left racing wide and without cover. The performance of STORM KID, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, STORM KID will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. RUGBY DIAMOND travelled keenly in the lead in the middle stages. Between the 200 Metres and the 100 Metres, STARRY STARLIES was unable to obtain clear running between GOLDEN GUNNERS which initially shifted in when laying in under pressure and FREE NOVEMBER which shifted out marginally. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of LEAN JOURNEY, Z Purton stated that after being checked near the 850 Metres, LEAN JOURNEY then balanced up and travelled quite well in the middle stages. He said the tempo of the race was good and this allowed LEAN JOURNEY the opportunity to travel comfortably in a position in advance of midfield. He said the horse then improved into the race satisfactorily rounding the Home Turn and he placed it under pressure at the entrance to the Straight. He said LEAN JOURNEY did not quicken as he expected it would and he was unable to prevent the eventual winner INVISIBLE from shifting out to his inside approaching the 300 Metres. He added after this point LEAN JOURNEY did not respond to his riding and was disappointing in the manner in which it weakened out of the race. A veterinary inspection of LEAN JOURNEY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LEAN JOURNEY, INVISIBLE and RUGBY DIAMOND were sent for sampling.