01/10/2018  Shatin  Race 10

WISHFUL THINKER lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected and lost ground. EPTIMUM shifted out at the start and bumped LITTLE GIANT. SOLOMON’S BAY began only fairly. CRUISING was crowded for room on jumping between DRAGON GENERAL and FANTASTIC EIGHT which shifted out. FANTASTIC EIGHT then became unbalanced after making contact with CRUISING, shifted in and bumped GOOD STANDING. From the outside barrier, WAR ROOM was shifted across behind runners to obtain cover in the early stages. From a wide barrier, DRAGON GENERAL was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. Passing the 1000 Metres, SUPER FLUKE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of RAGING STORM which was steadied to obtain cover behind LITTLE GIANT. After being slow to begin, SHAMAL was ridden along to obtain a forward position and making the turn after the 900 Metres was left racing in a three wide position without cover. SHAMAL was then steadied passing the 800 Metres to obtain cover behind FANTASTIC EIGHT. Near the 550 Metres, RAGING STORM was awkwardly placed close to the heels of LITTLE GIANT. Passing the 350 Metres, WINSTON’S LAD was awkwardly placed outside the heels of WISHFUL THINKER which shifted out to obtain clear running. Near the 150 Metres, RAGING STORM was shifted to the inside of WISHFUL THINKER which shifted out marginally under pressure. When questioned, U Rispoli stated that he was asked to be positive out of the barriers on CRUISING and obtain a position in about midfield with cover if possible. He said it was felt that today’s race would be run at a good pace and that CRUISING’s best opportunity to finish off the race would be for it to be ridden more conservatively from barrier 11. He said although CRUISING began well, the horse did not feel comfortable in its action in the early stages and, in his opinion, he would not have been able to obtain a forward position had he been so instructed. He said CRUISING came off the bridle after the 900 Metres and he had to ride the horse along to maintain its position outside WINSTON’S LAD. He added although CRUISING was obliged to race without cover in the early and middle stages, the horse did not travel comfortably. He said after shifting CRUISING to the outside of RAGING STORM at the entrance to the Straight, CRUISING did not quicken and then was disappointing in the manner in which it failed to finish off the race. He said he had ridden CRUISING in a barrier trial in the lead up to today’s race and, in his opinion, that trial was only fair. Mr T P Yung, the trainer of CRUISING, confirmed that he had instructed Jockey Rispoli to obtain a midfield position because he anticipated a fast tempo given that there were a number of horses which had previously been ridden in a forward position engaged in this race. A veterinary inspection of CRUISING immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, CRUISING will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of RAGING STORM and WINSTON’S LAD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LITTLE GIANT and CALIFORNIA FORTUNE were sent for sampling.