13/11/2021  Shatin  Race 7

DUKE WAI lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected and was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, FANTASTIC TREASURE was bumped by SILVER EXPRESS which shifted in. Despite being ridden along for some distance in the early stages, CALIFORNIADEEPSHOT failed to muster speed and near the 1000 Metres was left racing wide and without cover. From the outside barriers, FAST MOST FURIOUS and EXCELLENT PROPOSAL were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. At the entrance to the Straight, NOT USUAL TALENT raced in restricted room between FANTASTIC TREASURE and DUKE WAI which shifted out. NOT USUAL TALENT was then held up for clear running from on straightening until passing the 200 Metres at which stage the horse was directed out across the heels of FANTASTIC TREASURE to obtain clear running. Passing the 350 Metres, FAST MOST FURIOUS was eased away from the heels of LUCKY EXPRESS which shifted to the inside of VOYAGE WARRIOR to obtain clear running. Passing the 300 Metres, VOYAGE WARRIOR and SILVER EXPRESS brushed. K Teetan (HIGHLAND FORTUNE) dropped his whip near the 100 Metres. Passing the 50 Metres, VOYAGE WARRIOR was crowded for room between SILVER EXPRESS and DUKE WAI which improved into tight running between VOYAGE WARRIOR and LUCKY EXPRESS which shifted out marginally under pressure. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of FANTASTIC TREASURE, C Schofield stated that after being able to obtain a good position in the early stages, FANTASTIC TREASURE travelled keenly near the 1100 Metres when awkwardly placed close to the heels of BUDDIES. He said after this FANTASTIC TREASURE relaxed satisfactorily, however, again commenced to race keenly after the 800 Metres which resulted in him having to shift FANTASTIC TREASURE out away from the heels of BUDDIES near the 700 Metres. He said irrespective of the manner in which FANTASTIC TREASURE was travelling at this time, he was reluctant to remain racing behind BUDDIES as he did not believe that that horse would take him into the race and he did not want CALIFORNIADEEPSHOT to improve its position around FANTASTIC TREASURE which may have resulted in his mount being unable to obtain clear running. He said after shifting to the outside of BUDDIES, FANTASTIC TREASURE did not improve its position as he thought it would and for this reason he had to commence riding his mount along near the 550 Metres. He added he became concerned with the manner in which FANTASTIC TREASURE was going to finish off the race as the horse did not quicken as he thought it would and then came under heavy pressure in the early part of the Straight. He said despite being ridden along, FANTASTIC TREASURE did not respond to his riding and then was very disappointing in the manner in which it did not finish off the race in the Straight. He further stated that he had ridden FANTASTIC TREASURE in some of its work in the lead up to today’s race which included a barrier trial and all of this work had been very good. A veterinary inspection of FANTASTIC TREASURE immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, FANTASTIC TREASURE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, K Teetan stated that whilst HIGHLAND FORTUNE had shown good speed in its previous races, it was felt that VOYAGE WARRIOR, BUDDIES and perhaps CALIFORNIADEEPSHOT would be ridden along in the early stages from more favourable barriers and that HIGHLAND FORTUNE may not be able to clear those horses in the early stages. He said therefore he was asked to be positive on HIGHLAND FORTUNE out of the barriers and if it was available to cross those horses, then he should do so, however, if those horses showed early speed as anticipated, he should steady HIGHLAND FORTUNE and find a position with cover. He said if this was the case, it was hoped that HIGHLAND FORTUNE may be able to obtain a position in advance of midfield behind the speed. He said after beginning well, he initially rode his mount along in the early stages, however, it was apparent to him that VOYAGE WARRIOR was going to lead. He said whilst it was available for him to shift over with that horse, he felt that BUDDIES would be ridden to maintain a forward position and that he would have to make a lot of use of HIGHLAND FORTUNE to clear that horse. He added when it became apparent to him that approaching the 1000 Metres CALIFORNIADEEPSHOT would likely be left in a position racing three wide, he elected to steady his mount and obtain a trailing position behind that horse. He said as he was doing this, CALIFORNIADEEPSHOT was also steadied by its rider in an attempt to obtain a trailing position behind FANTASTIC TREASURE which resulted in HIGHLAND FORTUNE having to be steadied further back than he had hoped to obtain cover behind that horse. He said these circumstances resulted in HIGHLAND FORTUNE racing further back in the field than had been anticipated. A veterinary inspection of CALIFORNIADEEPSHOT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FANTASTIC TREASURE, LUCKY EXPRESS and FAST MOST FURIOUS were sent for sampling.