30/11/2008  Shatin  Race 4

BEST POWER began awkwardly and shortly after the start was steadied when awkwardly placed between SIR GALAHAD and SUPER BABY which got its head on the side and shifted in slightly. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, FOREST FOUNTAIN took time to muster speed. In the early stages, LONDON EXPRESS hung in. After the 1300 Metres, ABLE DRAGON was steadied away from the heels of FASHFIELD which shifted in away from the heels of VISIONARIO. Approaching the turn at the 800 Metres, FASHFIELD raced ungenerously when awkwardly placed inside the hindquarters of VISIONARIO. Making the Home Turn, SOMETHING SPECIAL was held up and unable to improve. On straightening, SIR GALAHAD was steadied when disappointed for running between EYE WITNESS and SUPER BABY which was carried wider by VISIONARIO. Near the 100 Metres, Apprentice K C Leung (SIR GALAHAD) momentarily dropped his right rein. Throughout the race, REAL SPECIAL and EYE WITNESS travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the poor performance of BEST POWER, C K Tong said the horse did not begin cleanly, shortly afterwards was inconvenienced and as a consequence travelled further back than anticipated. He said at no stage of the race did BEST POWER travel in the manner in which it did when it was successful at its most recent start. He said near the 500 Metres he endeavoured to shift out to commence making ground, however, when disappointed for a run between FOREST FOUNTAIN and SIR GALAHAD, he checked his mount. He said after this BEST POWER took time to rebalance and did not initially responded to his riding when placed under pressure in the Straight. He said near the 200 Metres when BEST POWER was commencing to make ground, he had to momentarily steady his mount when awkwardly placed between FOREST FOUNTAIN and FASHFIELD. He said after this BEST POWER did not respond to his riding and therefore he did not ride his mount out over the final 100 Metres. BEST POWER was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of BEST POWER after the race did not show any significant findings. In the circumstances, the performance of BEST POWER, a last start winner, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, BEST POWER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. REAL SPECIAL, GREAT LAND’S STAR and SOMETHING SPECIAL were sent for sampling.