06/10/2019  Shatin  Race 7

RULETHEROOST lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected and consequently lost ground. From wide barriers, RICKFIELD and WARM THE VOICE were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. On the first turn near the 1450 Metres, CLEAR CHOICE was checked away from the heels of BEAR SLAM which was steadied to allow DEAL MAKER to cross. Throughout the race, PACKING WARRIOR travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the tactics adopted on DEAL MAKER in today’s race, C Schofield stated that he was instructed to be positive on the horse and take up a forward position, however, both he and Mr K H Ting, the trainer of the horse, considered that it was likely that TANG FLEMING would challenge for the lead and were this to occur, he should allow that horse to cross and remain racing one horse away from the rail. He said both he and Mr Ting considered that in light of the racing pattern in the previous two races on the All Weather surface, runners away from the inside rail, particularly in the Home Straight, appeared to be advantaged. He said after shifting in to assume the lead passing the winning post on the first occasion, UNICORNBABY showed unexpected speed to share the lead inside DEAL MAKER and with TANG FLEMING improving to its outside, he elected to allow that horse to cross approaching the 1200 Metres and take a trailing position one horse away from the rail as instructed. He added however that with PACKING WARRIOR improving its position outside DEAL MAKER along the Back Straight, he was then unable to shift wider at the entrance to the Straight as he hoped to do to make his finishing run. He said after obtaining clear running from the entrance to the Straight, DEAL MAKER closed off the race satisfactorily. Mr Ting confirmed Jockey Schofield’s evidence and stated that he was happy with DEAL MAKER’s position in the early and middle stages, however, due to circumstances beyond Jockey Schofield’s control, DEAL MAKER was not able to shift wider in the Home Straight due to PACKING WARRIOR being positioned to its outside. After the race, Z Purton reported that PERFECT TO PLAY came under pressure and hung in approaching and rounding the Home Turn and then did not stretch out comfortably on today’s racing surface. The performance of PERFECT TO PLAY, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, PERFECT TO PLAY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of PERFECT TO PLAY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned, J Moreira stated that CLEAR CHOICE did not jump as well as anticipated and consequently raced further back in the field than was intended. He said CLEAR CHOICE came under significant pressure at the 1000 Metres and failed to respond to his riding thereafter. He added, in his view, CLEAR CHOICE did not appear to appreciate the prevailing track conditions today. A veterinary inspection of CLEAR CHOICE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of CLEAR CHOICE, one of the favourites in the event, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, CLEAR CHOICE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. DEAL MAKER, RICKFIELD and WARM THE VOICE were sent for sampling.