01/05/2009  Shatin  Race 2

TRAVEL LEADER was slow to begin. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, NATURAL ECHO was slow to muster speed. After the 1400 Metres, FISHKING EXCELLENT was hampered and carried wider by MASTER TOWER which when proving difficult to settle shifted out away from the heels of COME HO CHOI (Apprentice T H So) which initially shifted in when not properly clear and then steadied the tempo. Apprentice So was severely reprimanded and told to exercise greater care. DECENT FELLOW hung out making the Home Turn. Throughout the race, DIAMOND PRINCE travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. Apprentice T H So said prior to the race he was instructed to go forward on COME HO CHOI from the outside barrier and lead if he was able to do so. He said it was explained to him COME HO CHOI had been disappointing in its recent races when ridden in a rearward position, however, the horse had performed well earlier in its career when leading in a race. He said it was hoped by having COME HO CHOI travelling in a forward position today, there would be an improvement in its performance. J Winks (ALL FOR ONE) explained the horse had been over-racing when being ridden in a forward position recently. He said because of this today he was instructed from a wide barrier to obtain a position with cover in an endeavour to have the horse relaxed in the run. He said on jumping he took hold of ALL FOR ONE and commenced to shift across close to the rail, however, to avoid being caught unnecessarily wide he shifted back to a position behind midfield. He said when ALL FOR ONE was racing in a position with cover, the horse dropped the bit and relaxed. He said in his opinion ALL FOR ONE is suited being ridden in a position with cover, however, he did suggest to Mr S Woods, the trainer of the horse, following the race that he consider varying the gear in which ALL FOR ONE races. C K Tong (VITALITY CHAMP) said because it was anticipated the tempo of today’s race would be good, he was asked to ride his mount in a midfield position. He said on jumping he took VITALITY CHAMP to a position slightly behind midfield and then rode along to improve his position. He said as a consequence of this VITALITY CHAMP commenced to over-race and at the 1400 Metres got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of OCTAGONAL CANYON. TRAVEL LEADER and MASTER TOWER were sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, TRAVEL LEADER was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, TRAVEL LEADER will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of MASTER TOWER after the race did not show any significant findings. DANEPRINT, OCTAGONAL CANYON and MYTHIC STEED were sent for sampling.