07/03/2009  Shatin  Race 8

BUNDLE O' GOLD began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of CRAIG'S DRAGON. At the 600 Metres, BOOMING CITY, GUNNER MAC and JIANG JUN were crowded for room outside DYNAMIC BLITZ (O Doleuze) which shifted out. O Doleuze was advised to exercise greater care. For the major part of the race, CANNONISE hung out and after the 400 Metres when being ridden out hung out badly. Approaching the 200 Metres, HIGH MARK, which was awkwardly placed close to the heels of BLAZE KING, was bumped on its hindquarters by ALWAYS GIGGLE which got its head on the side and hung in away from the rail. As a result, HIGH MARK was steadied. Over about the final 100 Metres, HIGH MARK was not able to obtain clear running when behind BLAZE KING which was giving ground. As a consequence, HIGH MARK was not tested. When questioned regarding the poor performance of BLAZE KING, W C Marwing said on jumping his mount blundered, then after regaining its balance travelled satisfactorily on the bridle in the early stages. He said approaching the 600 Metres he allowed BLAZE KING some rein and the horse responded only fairly. He said approaching the 400 Metres he placed BLAZE KING under pressure and the horse did not lengthen its stride and commenced to give ground. He said the action of BLAZE KING indicated to him that the horse might not be comfortable on today's track surface, however, he did say the horse had won previously on rain affected ground prior to being imported to Hong Kong. BLAZE KING was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of BLAZE KING after the race did not show any significant findings. O Doleuze said his mount travelled only fairly throughout the race and was disappointing in the manner in which it failed to finish the race off when placed under pressure after the 400 Metres. He said he was not able to offer any explanation for the poor performance of DYNAMIC BLITZ other than in his opinion the horse might not have handled today's track conditions. DYNAMIC BLITZ was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, DYNAMIC BLITZ was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. TUSCAN SPIRIT and CRAIG'S DRAGON were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that BOOMING CITY had lost its right front plate.