04/03/2009  Shatin  Race 5

During the preliminary, Apprentice M L Yeung was dislodged from MAGIC TEMPLE. Apprentice Yeung was uninjured. After being boxed, POWER RETURN was very fractious. Before being allowed to race again, POWER RETURN will have to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. Making the turn at the 700 Metres, CENTURY SUPER STAR was steadied away from the heels of PRETTY TOUCH. Also making the turn at the 700 Metres, MASTER GUNNER raced tight inside PRETTY TOUCH. Making the Home Turn, POWER RETURN hung out. On straightening, PRETTY TOUCH, which was endeavouring to shift out to obtain clear running, was bumped by ACHILLES OF TROY. For some distance after this, PRETTY TOUCH had difficulty obtaining clear running. In the Home Straight, THUNDER DANCING did not obtain clear running and passing the 200 Metres was checked when disappointed for running inside KUNG FU. As a consequence, THUNDER DANCING was not tested. Over the final 250 Metres, MASTER GUNNER was not able to obtain clear running and as a consequence was not tested. For a considerable distance approaching and passing the 200 Metres, CENTURY SUPER STAR was steadied when not able to obtain clear running between THAT’S IT which shifted out slightly when commencing to give ground and TAIJI SPIRIT which shifted in slightly. No action was taken. For a considerable distance approaching and passing the 100 Metres, MAGIC TEMPLE, which was having difficulty obtaining clear running, was steadied and then shifted out to go forward. Throughout the race, JOLLY GOOD FORTUNE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the poor performance of KUNG FU, W C Marwing said the horse was having its first start tonight on the all weather surface. He said it was anticipated KUNG FU would perform well following its performances in barrier trials on the surface. He said KUNG FU went forward and was able to lead as anticipated, however, he had to make some use of the horse to do so as it was not showing the natural speed it had on occasions in the past. He said KUNG FU travelled only fairly in the run with THAT’S IT sitting to its outside, came under pressure prior to straightening and failed to finish the race off. KUNG FU was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of KUNG FU after the race did not show any significant findings. ACHILLES OF TROY and PRETTY TOUCH were sent for sampling.