04/06/2017  Shatin  Race 6

REMARKABLE began only fairly. Shortly after the start, DYNAMIC LIONS shifted in and bumped AUTOPAY. From wide barriers, BOLD STITCH and AMAZING ALWAYS were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. For some distance after the 1200 Metres, AUTOPAY travelled keenly when being steadied to obtain cover. Passing the 1100 Metres, MY GIFT raced tight between VICTORY MASTER and EXPERTO CREDE which lay in. At the 1000 Metres, G-ONE UNION was steadied away from the heels of DYNAMIC LIONS which got its head on the side and shifted in away from SAM’S LOVE. A short distance after this, MY GIFT was crowded for room inside EXPERTO CREDE which shifted in away from the heels of DYNAMIC LIONS which again got its head on the side and shifted in away from SAM’S LOVE. Approaching the 500 Metres, AUTOPAY got its head up when being checked away from the heels of EXPERTO CREDE. REMARKABLE made the Home Turn awkwardly. Rounding the Home Turn, LAUGH OUT LOUD was awkwardly placed close to the heels of MY GIFT. At the entrance to the Straight, AUTOPAY was awkwardly placed close to the heels of DIAMOND LEGEND. Passing the 400 Metres, REMARKABLE was bumped by BOLD STITCH which improved into tight running between that horse and G-ONE UNION. Approaching the 300 Metres, BOLD STITCH was shifted out away from the heels of G-ONE UNION. Throughout the race, DIAMOND LEGEND travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, Trainer C H Yip (SAM’S LOVE) stated that at its first and only race start he instructed the rider of the horse to attempt to take up a forward position if it began well, however, if it jumped on terms with the field, he should ride it for luck. He said when SAM’S LOVE began only fairly and was then crowded for room, the rider had ridden SAM’S LOVE to his instruction by shifting the horse across behind runners in the early stages. He said stepping up to 1400 Metres today and from a similarly wide draw, he felt that there was an opportunity for SAM’S LOVE to assume a more forward position than it obtained last start as he did not anticipate that the pace of the race would be strong. He also added that since last start he had jumped SAM’S LOVE out of the barriers in its track work and given that the horse had begun sharply in these practice sessions, he anticipated that SAM’S LOVE would begin better than it did at its only previous race start. He said whilst he did not want SAM’S LOVE to lead today’s race, he had hoped that the horse would be able to obtain a position behind the speed. He said however that due to the circumstances of the race and given that there were a number of horses that were ridden to obtain a forward position, C Williams, the rider of SAM’S LOVE, was left with no other option but to continue forward into the lead. A veterinary inspection of MY GIFT and REMARKABLE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LAUGH OUT LOUD and SAM’S LOVE were sent for sampling.