01/01/2019  Shatin  Race 5

HEALTHY TREASURE began awkwardly and shortly after the start became unbalanced after bumping with MONICA. GUERDON HELMET shifted out at the start and bumped REGENCY GEM. Shortly after the start, SUPER FUN stumbled. From wide barriers, WICKER and HAPPY HOUR were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Throughout the race, PICKEN travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of MONICA, D Whyte stated that it was intended for the horse to be ridden in a forward position as it was at its most recent start when successful albeit the horse on that occasion was drawn an inside barrier in contrast to barrier 9 today. He said however it was felt that MONICA would still have sufficient early speed to be able to take up a forward position. He said in the barriers MONICA was restless and got its head up on a number of occasions and as the start was effected lifted its front feet off the ground, resulting in the horse beginning only fairly. He said shortly after the start MONICA became unbalanced after making contact with another runner which resulted in it being positioned much further back in the field in the early stages than had been intended. He said he rode his mount along in an attempt to take up a more forward position, however, MONICA did not travel well at any stage. He said he slapped the horse down the shoulder on a number of occasions making the first turn near the 900 Metres in an attempt to have it travel on the bridle, however, MONICA did not pick up the bit and travel more comfortably. He added the manner in which the horse raced today indicated to him that it may not have appreciated racing back in the field, He said he was also of the view that MONICA’s last run may have taken more out of the horse than anticipated although its last gallop, when ridden by him, was satisfactory. A veterinary inspection of MONICA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. PICKEN and NOBLE DE LOVE were sent for sampling.