08/01/2017  Shatin  Race 5

KING BOUNTIFUL began only fairly and then bumped with MIDNITE PROMISE on jumping. From wide barriers, BLAZING PASS, AEROLUMINANCE and ASHKIYR were all shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After the 1000 Metres, BEST TANGO commenced to travel keenly and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SUPER FORM. Passing the 600 Metres, SPEEDY WALLY was taken wider by PEARL FURU which shifted out to obtain clear running. SUPER FORM was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight. Passing the 400 Metres, GOOD CHOICE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of EXPECTATOR. Passing the 200 Metres, LITTLE FANTASY and HIT A HOME RUN bumped. LITTLE FANTASY then shifted in, resulting in BEST TANGO being taken in and causing MIDNITE PROMISE to be inconvenienced approaching the 100 Metres. For the majority of the Straight, SPEEDY WALLY got its head on the side, lay in and proved difficult to ride. When questioned, K Teetan stated that, from barrier 9, it had been intended for SPEEDY WALLY to be ridden in a midfield position or slightly behind midfield as this is the horse’s usual racing pattern. He said SPEEDY WALLY began very well and he immediately took hold of his mount in an endeavour to have it obtain cover in about a midfield position. He said however that SPEEDY WALLY was travelling too keenly and he was unable to get the horse to settle sufficiently to obtain the intended position. He added he shifted SPEEDY WALLY across behind MIDNITE PROMISE after the 1600 Metres albeit further forward in the race than had been intended. He said when MIDNITE PROMISE improved its position to be racing outside the lead after the 1100 Metres, this resulted in SPEEDY WALLY racing in a three wide position without cover for the remainder of the race. A veterinary inspection of SPEEDY WALLY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. When questioned, S Clipperton stated that AEROLUMINANCE was unable to obtain clear running until near the 200 Metres. He said in order to obtain clear running, he had to shift the horse out across the heels of SPEEDY WALLY and then had to balance his mount and was able to obtain clear running passing the 200 Metres. He said when being ridden out AEROLUMINANCE, which was racing greenly, got its head on the side and lay in and as there were a number of runners positioned to his inside, he did not believe it was appropriate to use the whip on the horse and therefore decided to ride it out vigorously hands and heels to the end of the race. A veterinary inspection of SUPER FORM, KING BOUNTIFUL, MIDNITE PROMISE and PEARL FURU immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. BLAZING PASS, ASHKIYR and LITTLE FANTASY were sent for sampling.