11/11/2017  Shatin  Race 10

CHUNG WAH SPIRIT began only fairly. REGENCY BO BO shifted out on jumping, resulting in A BEAUTIFUL being taken out onto WORLD RECORD which was crowded for room inside DIAMOND KING. After being bumped on the hindquarters by WORLD RECORD, DIAMOND KING shifted out, resulting in SMILING CHARM being crowded for room inside HAIR TRIGGER which shifted in after being bumped by VOLITATION. After this, A BEAUTIFUL was ridden along, however, failed to muster speed. PING HAI STAR began awkwardly and after being ridden along in the early stages, from the outside barrier, was steadied after travelling a short distance and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. NAVAS made the Home Turn awkwardly. At the entrance to the Straight, HIGH VOLATILITY was awkwardly placed between DIAMOND KING and CHUNG WAH SPIRIT which shifted to the outside of VOLITATION to obtain clear running. SILVERFIELD was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight and when being shifted to the outside of VOLITATION near the 350 Metres was awkwardly placed behind that horse which drifted out under pressure. Near the 250 Metres, HAIR TRIGGER was bumped by PING HAI STAR which shifted out. When questioned, K Teetan (VOLITATION) stated that prior to the race it was anticipated that horses drawn inside barriers, namely G-ONE LOVER, REGENCY BO BO and perhaps HIGH VOLATILITY would be ridden along to take advantage of their barriers and the pace of the race would be good. He said he was asked to obtain a position with cover if possible from barrier 12 behind the leaders if, as anticipated, the tempo resulted in those horses established something of a margin over the remainder of the field. He said in accordance with his instructions he commenced to shift VOLITATION across from the wide barrier and was able to obtain a forward position outside REGENCY BO BO after the 1000 Metres. He said whilst it was apparent to him that he would not be able to obtain a position with cover behind REGENCY BO BO due to the composition of the field at that time, he was reluctant to allow VOLITATION to continue forward of REGENCY BO BO as he felt that that horse would maintain its position to his inside. He added therefore that he would either do too much work to cross REGENCY BO BO or make unnecessary use of his mount and may still be required to remain racing three wide and without cover as REGENCY BO BO was positioned to the outside of G-ONE LOVER, He said although the tempo at the relevant time of the race was not fast, he believed it would be in VOLITATION’s best interests to be comfortable albeit remaining three wide outside REGENCY BO BO rather than have to make use of his mount which would then not allow VOLITATION the opportunity to finish off the race. K Teetan was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, he was told, wherever possible, to ensure that he does not cover unnecessary ground. When questioned regarding the performance of REGENCY BO BO, B Prebble stated that it was felt that G-ONE LOVER, which was being ridden by an apprentice jockey out of barrier 1, would be ridden to obtain the lead and therefore it was felt that REGENCY BO BO would not be able to lead the race as it did at its last start when successful. He said in the early stages he rode his mount along to obtain a forward position and it soon became apparent to him that the rider of G-ONE LOVER was intent on holding the lead as the horse was vigorously ridden along in the early stages. He said he therefore allowed REGENCY BO BO to race to the outside of that horse. He said when VOLITATION was improving to his outside approaching and passing the 1000 Metres REGENCY BO BO would not relax as it did at its last start. He said although VOLITATION came back to race off his mount, nonetheless REGENCY BO BO would not relax and came under pressure prior to the Home Turn. He added REGENCY BO BO then gave ground in the Straight and, although disappointing, he felt the circumstances of the race were much different from its last start when the horse was able to lead the race uncontested. A veterinary inspection of REGENCY BO BO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of CHUNG WAH SPIRIT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. WORLD RECORD and PING HAI STAR were sent for sampling.