15/03/2009  Shatin  Race 7

CRYSTAL began awkwardly. In the early stages, HAPPY SEVEN was taken back. Approaching the turn at the 800 Metres, when being steadied, PACKING SUPREME commenced to over-race and got its head up. At the 700 Metres, DARPANA was steadied when awkwardly placed inside the heels of COUNTRY MAGIC. At the 200 Metres, DARPANA was steadied away from the heels of EASY AHEAD. Over about the 200 Metres, MAGIC TEMPLE had difficulty obtaining clear running and because of this was not fully tested. Over about the 50 Metres, WINE WIN was steadied away from the heels of THUNDER FLASH which was giving ground. Throughout the race, RARE TREASURE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the improved performance of GOOD LUCK WIN, Mr P F Yiu, the trainer of the horse, said he believed GOOD LUCK WIN had performed fairly in its three previous starts since arriving in Hong Kong. He said last start GOOD LUCK WIN over-raced, did not handle the Home Turn and hung out. He said today he dropped GOOD LUCK WIN back in distance and he believed the horse travelled more comfortably due to the tempo of the race. He added GOOD LUCK WIN also travelled more generously throughout the run. He said the win of GOOD LUCK WIN was not anticipated by the stable. WINE WIN was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of WINE WIN after the race did not show any significant findings. PACKING SUPREME, GOOD LUCK WIN and CRYSTAL were sent for sampling.