20/05/2018  Shatin  Race 8

COMFORT LIFE began awkwardly. GREAT TREASURE shifted out at the start and bumped BABA MAMA. Shortly after the start, GINO SEVERINI was crowded for room between GREEN ENERGY and BOLD STITCH, both of which shifted ground. From the outside barrier, HO HO FEEL was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. For some distance after the 1000 Metres, SO FAST got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of INTREPIC (J Moreira) which steadied the tempo after obtaining the lead. J Moreira was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that he does not reduce the tempo of the race too abruptly so as to allow horses and riders, which are following, to be able to adjust to the change in tempo. Near the 900 Metres, COMFORT LIFE shifted out away from the heels of SO FAST. GREEN ENERGY, which was following COMFORT LIFE, improved into tight running inside that horse. COMFORT LIFE then lost ground when unable to improve between SO FAST and TAKING AIM. GREEN ENERGY, which was following, was checked away from the heels of COMFORT LIFE in consequence. COMFORT LIFE and TAKING AIM had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. On a number of occasions in the Straight, BABA MAMA shifted in under pressure, resulting in its rider, N Callan, changing the whip into his right hand passing the 150 Metres. COMFORT LIFE was unable to obtain clear running over the final 50 Metres and consequently was not able to be properly tested. Throughout the race, BOLD STITCH travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, Apprentice H N Wong stated that he was asked to lead on SO FAST if another runner was not similarly ridden to obtain a forward position. He said if another runner was ridden positively in the early stages, it was open to him to take a trailing position behind that horse rather than be caught in a speed battle. He said after beginning very well he commenced to steady the tempo near the 1300 Metres and he observed INTREPIC, from a wide barrier, being hard ridden to take up a forward position. He said INTREPIC had to be ridden along to clear KEEP WINNING which resulted in INTREPIC obtaining a margin over SO FAST passing the 1000 Metres. He said as he believed that INTREPIC was going to continue into the lead, he elected to take a trailing position behind that horse rather than ride his mount along to hold its position inside INTREPIC. Trainer W Y So confirmed that he had instructed Apprentice Wong to lead the race if he did not have to make too use of the horse and that if another horse was ridden in a similar manner, he should allow that horse to cross rather than continue to press for the lead. He said having regard to the circumstances of the race, he was satisfied with Apprentice Wong’s decision to allow INTREPIC to cross and obtain the position behind that horse. A veterinary inspection of GREAT TREASURE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. BOLD STITCH and INTREPIC were sent for sampling.