04/05/2008  Shatin  Race 9

SUPER BABY began awkwardly. ROCKET POWER began awkwardly and got its head up. From the outside barrier, RICH FOREVER was taken back. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, ROCKET POWER got its head up, commenced to hang out and was checked away from the heels of TOY STORY. Inconvenience was caused to TOP TOP LIGHT and RICH FOREVER in consequence. Shortly after this incident, ROCKET POWER shifted in and caused crowding on its inside to HAPPY GO LUCKY which was checked. No action was taken. Prior to straightening, GUAN DAO was bumped and carried wider by TOY STORY which at this time shifted out when being steadied away from the heels of BEJEWELED which shifted out slightly. FLY ME TO THE MOON, which was following, was steadied in consequence. In the Straight, RICH FOREVER hung in. Throughout the race, BODACIOUS and GUAN DAO travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, W M Lai (FLY ME TO THE MOON) said he was instructed to ride his mount in 3rd or 4th position if possible. He said FLY ME TO THE MOON began awkwardly which resulted in him becoming unbalanced in the saddle and as a consequence his saddle shifted to the right hand side. He said because of this shortly after the start he looked down and changed his body weight to correct his saddle. He said as he did this TOY STORY travelled forward to his inside and BEJEWELED was ridden along to his outside. He said he therefore did not ride along in the early stages and as a consequence got further back than intended. He said FLY ME TO THE MOON travelled comfortably in a midfield position, however, when placed under pressure after straightening closed the race off only fairly. W M Lai was told his explanation would be reported. TOY STORY, ROCKET POWER and FLY ME TO THE MOON were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of TOY STORY, ROCKET POWER and FLY ME TO THE MOON after the race did not show any significant findings. BEJEWELED and SALUT BEAUTE were sent for sampling.