15/09/2008  Shatin  Race 3

BEST NOODLE began awkwardly and lost ground. On jumping, AMAZING VENTURE was bumped by MASTER DREAMER which shifted out after being bumped by VANQUISH DELIGHT which began awkwardly. At the 1100 Metres, AMAZING VENTURE was steadied away from the heels of VANQUISH DELIGHT. After this incident, AMAZING VENTURE proved difficult to settle and near the 900 Metres got its head up when again being steadied away from the heels of VANQUISH DELIGHT. Passing the 900 Metres, NATURAL ECHO got its head on the side, hung in and was steadied away from the heels of BEST NOODLE. At the 700 Metres, as the tempo of the race steadied, SOHNA got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of NOT QUITE PERFECT. BEST NOODLE, which was following, also got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of SOHNA. In the middle stages, VANQUISH DELIGHT proved difficult to settle. At the 250 Metres, SOHNA and SPEEDY WARRIOR bumped. For a short distance after the 200 Metres, CLASSIC REUNION had difficulty obtaining clear running. After the 50 Metres, SOHNA got its head on the side and commenced to shift in. Because of this, F Coetzee, its rider, stopped riding and straightened his mount. In the Straight, JOLLY WONGCHOY hung in. Throughout the race, GOLDEN TREASURE travelled wide and without cover. W M Lai (EVERGREEN) explained from a wide barrier he was instructed to have the horse begin well, ride along for a short distance and then endeavour to obtain a position with cover. He said it was thought EVERGREEN would not show sufficient speed to obtain a forward position and it was therefore anticipated the horse would travel in midfield or behind. He said his mount began well, he rode along for a short distance as instructed, however, MASTER DREAMER maintained a position to his inside. He said he therefore elected to steady EVERGREEN and take his mount back to the rear to ensure it was not left racing wide and without cover. JOLLY WONGCHOY, CLASSIC REUNION and SOHNA were sent for sampling.