23/12/2018  Shatin  Race 5

FANTASTIC SHOW and WINNING CIRCLE were slow to begin. From wide barriers, MOTHER WISHES and BIG BULLY were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After initially being ridden along, MEGATRON was steadied to obtain cover approaching the 1200 Metres. Making the turn near the 900 Metres, ROYAL RACER shifted out and made contact with SUPREME WITNESS. From this stage onwards, both ROYAL RACER and SUPREME WITNESS raced wide and without cover. When endeavouring to improve into tight running between CARE FREE PRINCE and FORTUNATE RUNNER (C Y Ho) approaching the 500 Metres, MEGATRON was steadied due to FORTUNATE RUNNER shifting out to improve its position. C Y Ho was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. After passing the 200 Metres, FLAME LILY was taken in marginally by PICKEN (J Moreira) and as a consequence momentarily raced tight with FUN TIMES. Then after passing the 150 Metres, FLAME LILY was momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of PICKEN which shifted in marginally under pressure. J Moreira was advised to ensure that he makes every endeavour to keep his mounts straight. When questioned regarding FLAME LILY leading today’s event, G van Niekerk stated that in pre-race discussions with Trainer F C Lor, it was decided to make use of the horse’s inside barrier and hold a prominent position as it appeared that on-pace runners in earlier races had been advantaged. He said after riding FLAME LILY along to maintain its position with PICKEN for the first 200 Metres, he then allowed FLAME LILY to relax and had hoped that runners wider on the track would shift across to provide FLAME LILY with cover. He said however that when this did not eventuate, FLAME LILY travelled keenly and was left racing in the lead. He added, in his view, FLAME LILY would be able to finish off its races better if ridden with cover. Trainer F C Lor confirmed that he had requested Jockey G van Niekerk to have FLAME LILY closer to the speed in the early stages, however, it was not intended to lead. When questioned regarding his riding of FANTASTIC SHOW in the early part of the Straight, A Sanna stated that he was instructed to make use of the horse’s favourable barrier draw and attempt to be near midfield even though it usually races in a rearward position. He said despite being hard ridden along the Back Straight, FANTASTIC SHOW did not show any speed and settled at the rear of the field. He said throughout the middle stages he continued to slap FANTASTIC SHOW down the shoulder with the whip to have it improve its position, however, the horse has got a particularly awkward action and would not pick up the bit and race truly. He said after entering the Straight, rather than place the horse under immediate pressure, he elected to try and have it balanced properly before testing the horse. He said at the 300 Metres he commenced to ride the horse along more vigorously and subsequently pulled the whip following which FANTASTIC SHOW closed off well. He added after the race he recommended to connections that the horse would benefit by being stepped up to a longer distance. A Sanna was advised that the Stewards would report his comments, however, he must be mindful not to set his mounts too much to do and to place them under pressure at the earliest opportunity in the Straight. When questioned regarding his mount racing wide and without cover throughout the event, K Teetan stated that he was asked to lead on SUPREME WITNESS in accordance with the horse’s normal racing pattern. He said despite being hard ridden in the early stages, SUPREME WITNESS did not show its usual early speed and after passing the 1200 Metres he noticed that three runners to his inside and particularly FLAME LILY and PICKEN were being ridden positively to hold leading positions. He said therefore he ceased riding SUPREME WITNESS along and assessed whether he would be able to find cover. He said in the run to the first turn he anticipated that PICKEN would proceed on and cross FLAME LILY which might then afford him the opportunity to shift over and race outside either FLAME LILY or PICKEN, however, nearing the first turn at the 900 Metres ROYAL RACER improved to maintain its position to race inside SUPREME WITNESS and in fact shifted out at that stage which forced his mount wider still. He added as he assessed the pace was genuine, he felt that it would be detrimental to the chances of SUPREME WITNESS were he to ride the horse hard in order to cross both FLAME LILY and PICKEN. He said however he was then not able to find cover on SUPREME WITNESS which consequently weakened in the Straight after having a difficult run. A veterinary inspection of SUPREME WITNESS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. PICKEN and FUN TIMES were sent for sampling.