06/01/2019  Shatin  Race 8

TAI SMART began awkwardly. FINE WITH ME shifted out at the start and bumped BRING IT ON. From the outside barriers, GENERAL DINO and DYNAMIC EAGLE were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. When being steadied to obtain cover, INVESTOR BOOM got its head up on a number of occasions shortly after the start. After being hard ridden for a considerable distance in the early stages, PO CHING TREASURE got its head on the side at the 1600 Metres, shifted in away from BRING IT ON and was then steadied to prevent tightening to GOLDEN KID on its inside. After this, PO CHING TREASURE was ridden along for some distance to obtain a more forward position. After the 1100 Metres, HAPPY ROCKY was left racing wide and without cover. Near the 950 Metres, TAI SMART was shifted in away from the heels of RED ELYSEES. Making the turn near the 900 Metres, GENERAL DINO was awkwardly placed close to the heels of TAI SMART. At the 650 Metres, JIN JIN KING got its head on the side, lay in and became unbalanced after brushing the running rail. TAI SMART was awkwardly placed behind LE PANACHE and RED ELYSEES near the 450 Metres. When questioned, S de Sousa stated that, from a wide barrier, he was asked to obtain a forward position on BRING IT ON but not unnecessarily to lead. He said after shifting across to race closer to the rail, he then attempted to steady the tempo on BRING IT ON to allow PO CHING TREASURE to improve its position around BRING IT ON. He said however PO CHING TREASURE did not show as much speed as anticipated and rather than unnecessarily restrain BRING IT ON, he allowed the horse to maintain the lead and dictate the tempo of the race. A veterinary inspection of PO CHING TREASURE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. DYNAMIC EAGLE and HAPPY ROCKY were sent for sampling.