30/11/2008  Shatin  Race 9

PRESTO was slow to begin and was then crowded for room between CHEEKY LAD and MINGS’ HERO which was carried wider by ENCORE WIN. KING ACRYLIC began awkwardly and lost ground, then despite being ridden along failed to muster speed. On jumping, CLEMENT ELITE was taken back from a wide barrier. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, CHEEKY LAD did not muster speed. Near the 1100 Metres, GOAL KEEPER, which was proving difficult to settle, was momentarily steadied away from the heels of ISTIDE which shifted in when barely clear. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, GOAL KEEPER was left racing wide and without cover. At the 800 Metres, KINGIFLY, which was proving difficult to settle, was steadied away from the heels of ENCORE WIN. Approaching and passing the 300 Metres, STORMIN JOBURG had difficulty obtaining clear running and near the 200 Metres was then steadied and shifted to the inside of THUNDER DANCING to go forward. After the 100 Metres, PRESTO got its head on the side and was inclined to hang in. H W Lai (CAGA BOY) explained he had been instructed to ride his mount in a midfield position with cover if possible. He said CAGA BOY began well from a wide barrier, he initially allowed runners on his inside to improve in an attempt to obtain a position as instructed. He said as he allowed CAGA BOY to drift back to a midfield position, runners to his inside were ridden along to maintain their positions. He said because of this he allowed CAGA BOY to drift back further in the hope of being able to obtain a position with cover. He said after commencing to make the turn at the 800 Metres he obtained a four wide position behind CLEMENT ELITE at the rear, however, approaching the 600 Metres was carried wider when CHEEKY LAD which was racing to his inside shifted out. He said throughout the race CAGA BOY travelled comfortably and in the Straight finished the race off well considering the run the horse experienced. PRESTO and ISTIDE were sent for sampling.