01/05/2009  Shatin  Race 7

BLESSING was slow into stride and bumped with ACHILLES OF TROY which began awkwardly. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, YUE LU TREASURE failed to muster speed, then for the major part of the race travelled wide and without cover. After the 900 Metres, GLOBAL WIN was steadied away from the heels of MANY GAINS. Making the turn at the 700 Metres, BLESSING, which was racing ungenerously, got its head up when awkwardly placed inside the heels of BUCCANEER. Shortly after straightening, BUCCANEER was steadied and shifted in away from the heels of TAIJI SPIRIT. At the 250 Metres, ACHILLES OF TROY was checked to avoid the heels of BELONG TO CASA which was giving ground. After this, ACHILLES OF TROY continued to have difficulty obtaining clear running and after the 100 Metres was steadied when awkwardly placed between MANY GAINS and BUCCANEER. When questioned, D Beadman (MULTO EXPRESSO) said he was instructed to ride his mount which was dropping back in distance today to 1200 Metres and having its first start for a considerable time on the All Weather surface where it was comfortable and endeavour to have the horse close the race off. He said after beginning well he did not ride MULTO EXPRESSO along in an endeavour to obtain a position with cover. He said in the early stages he felt he would travel in a three wide position behind midfield outside POS TRUMPS. He said after passing the 1000 Metres YUE LU TREASURE which was racing to his outside was ridden along to go forward and he therefore elected to steady MULTO EXPRESSO and come back to obtain a position with cover as he felt at that time to have maintained his position on the outside of POS TRUMPS would have resulted in him racing without cover. He said MULTO EXPRESSO travelled well in the run and in the Straight closed the race off nicely. He said the manner in which MULTO EXPRESSO raced today indicated to him that the horse was comfortable on the track’s surface, however, it would be better suited by races of a greater distance than that of today’s. TAIJI SPIRIT and BELONG TO CASA were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of TAIJI SPIRIT after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, BELONG TO CASA was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, BELONG TO CASA will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. ACHILLES OF TROY, HAR HAR CHARMS and GLOBAL WIN were sent for sampling.