24/06/2018  Shatin  Race 3

GOLD MOUNT was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Making the first turn after the 900 Metres, PRAWN BABA lay in and bumped PACKING DRAGON, causing both horses to become unbalanced. Passing the 650 Metres, PACKING DRAGON raced in restricted room between CLASSIC EMPEROR and PRAWN BABA. Rounding the Home Turn, DINOZZO and HORSE OF FORTUNE raced tight as HORSE OF FORTUNE attempted to shift out into clear running. When questioned, C Schofield stated that he was informed by the trainer that PRAWN BABA is one-paced and given that the horse had a light weight today, it would not be in its best interests to be ridden from off the speed. He said it was anticipated that CLASSIC EMPEROR and PACKING DRAGON would take up a forward position and that if the tempo steadied in the middle stages, he should allow PRAWN BABA to cross to either race in the lead or outside the lead. He said in the early stages it was apparent to him that PACKING DRAGON was being hard ridden to obtain a forward position and therefore he initially positioned PRAWN BABA to the outside of that horse. He said it was also apparent to him that HORSE OF FORTUNE was being ridden to maintain a position one horse off the rail and he therefore allowed PRAWN BABA to remain racing outside of those horses in the early stages. He added after the 1200 Metres he allowed PRAWN BABA to improve its position in the hope of crossing PACKING DRAGON to his inside, however, both CLASSIC EMPEROR and PACKING DRAGON increased the tempo of the race at this time and he was not able to ride his mount forward of those horses. He said near the 1100 Metres he looked to obtain a trailing position behind PACKING DRAGON, however, HORSE OF FORTUNE maintained its position behind that horse and this resulted in PRAWN BABA racing three wide and without cover throughout the race. EXULTANT and GOLD MOUNT were sent for sampling.