20/11/2016  Shatin  Race 7

GIANT TREASURE began only fairly. Passing the 1400 Metres, CONTENTMENT was steadied away from the heels of BEAUTY FLAME (S de Sousa) which shifted in when not quite clear. S de Sousa was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is properly clear when shifting ground. Rounding the Home Turn, PACKING PINS raced tight outside BEAUTY ONLY which shifted out to obtain clear running. Near the 250 Metres, HELENE PARAGON, which had been held up when unable to obtain clear running, improved into a tight run between ROMANTIC TOUCH and CONTENTMENT (B Prebble) which shifted in after being corrected. When HELENE PARAGON continued to improve into the run, CONTENTMENT shifted out marginally, resulting in HELENE PARAGON being crowded for room between CONTENTMENT and ROMANTIC TOUCH. When crowded, HELENE PARAGON got its head on the side and lay in across the heels of CONTENTMENT, resulting in HELENE PARAGON being badly checked. GUN PIT, which was racing to the inside of HELENE PARAGON, was hampered in consequence. B Prebble was advised that whilst there were a number of circumstances associated with this incident, primarily his shift out on CONTENTMENT being marginal and also that he stopped riding CONTENTMENT and straightened his mount, nonetheless he must ensure that he makes every endeavor to prevent his mounts from shifting ground. Throughout the race, PACKING PINS travelled wide and without cover. After the race, it was noted that CONTENTMENT had sustained a small cut to the outside of the left hind cannon. When questioned regarding the performance of GIANT TREASURE, C Soumillon stated that GIANT TREASURE was unsettled in the Parade Ring and then did not proceed to the Start as strongly as it normally does. He said GIANT TREASURE travelled only fairly in the race and when placed under pressure in the Straight did not respond to his riding and was disappointing. A veterinary inspection of GIANT TREASURE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SUN JEWELLERY, BEAUTY ONLY and ROMANTIC TOUCH were sent for sampling.