14/10/2007  Shatin  Race 5

After arriving at the Start, S Dye, the rider of AMBITION, expressed concern over the horse’s action behind. AMBITION was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion the horse was mildly lame in the left hind leg and was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of AMBITION. Before being allowed to race again, AMBITION will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. KING PALM was slow to begin. DOUBLE FANTASY began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped the hindquarters of REWARDING STAR. In the early and middle stages, DOUBLE FANTASY proved difficult to settle. After the 1100 Metres, when SILVER WRAITH was left wide in midfield and without cover, the horse was ridden along to clear runners on its inside and shift across to race outside the lead. At the 700 Metres, CROWNED GEM was steadied away from the heels of CELESTIAL WONDER. Near the 400 Metres, DOUBLE FANTASY was awkwardly placed behind DRAGON INN. In the early part of the Straight, CROWNED GEM was held up and unable to improve when following CELESTIAL WONDER. For some distance approaching the 200 Metres, DIAMOND FLYER, which was closing the race off strongly, was steadied when held up and unable to improve between PLEASURE PLEASURE and SABRE AND GOLD. After the 200 Metres, REWARDING STAR, which was commencing to give ground, became unbalanced when being steadied away from the heels of WATCHMAN which when improving on the outside of SILVER WRAITH was carried wider by that horse. Right on the winning post, CROWNED GEM, which was closing the race strongly, was steadied when awkwardly placed close to the heels of WATCHMAN. Throughout the race, KING PALM travelled wide and without cover. Mr B K Ng, trainer of the winner, WATCHMAN, was unable to offer any explanation for the improved performance of the horse. He said he had not varied the horse’s work significantly after it last raced over 1800 Metres. He did point out earlier in its career WATCHMAN was successful over 1400 Metres. He said he had anticipated WATCHMAN would be further forward in the race, however, he had instructed its rider to allow it to travel where it was comfortable. He said he was surprised with the manner in which WATCHMAN was able to close the race off as he did not believe the horse to have a strong chance in the race. He did point out at its most recent start WATCHMAN travelled wide without cover after being taken back from a wide draw. He said WATCHMAN’s best performances have always been when it was able to obtain a position with cover. O Doleuze (DRAGON INN) explained as is often the case the horse did not begin well from the outside barrier. He said he then rode along to go forward as instructed, however, the early tempo of the race was very quick. He said because of this he shifted across to obtain a position with cover behind UNIVERSAL PIONEER which had him around midfield. He said in the Straight when DRAGON INN was placed under pressure, the horse was disappointing in the manner in which it closed the race off. DRAGON INN was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. REWARDING STAR was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of DRAGON INN and REWARDING STAR after the race did not show any significant findings. WATCHMAN and DIAMOND FLYER were sent for sampling.