21/06/2009  Shatin  Race 3

SUCCESSFUL ERA was slow into stride. On jumping, BLESS US ALL got its head up and lost ground. FAST GO began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped FAIR NAVIGATOR. At the 650 Metres, PRIVATE ROAD became unbalanced when awkwardly placed outside the hindquarters of BLESS US ALL. At the 300 Metres, BLESS US ALL was steadied and shifted in when crowded for room outside SUCCESSFUL ERA which when improving towards the outside of WASABISABI was carried out by that horse which shifted while giving ground. When questioned regarding the poor performance of SECRET OF WINNING, W C Marwing said he had been advised the horse had disappointed when being ridden in a forward position at its two previous race starts. He said whilst it is known SECRET OF WINNING shows good natural early speed, he was asked to ensure to obtain a position with cover in the hope of having the horse relaxed so it would finish the race off. He said SECRET OF WINNING began well and immediately commenced to prove difficult to settle as he endeavoured to obtain a position with cover. He said SECRET OF WINNING did not relax in the first 400 Metres and as a consequence failed to finish the race off. He said in his opinion SECRET OF WINNING is still immature and will benefit from racing. When questioned regarding the poor performance of WASABISABI, Apprentice M Chadwick said his mount obtained a forward position as intended. He said WASABISABI travelled only fairly throughout the run, however, failed to quicken when placed under pressure. He was not able to offer any explanation for the performance of the horse. WASABISABI was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. SUCCESSFUL ERA was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of WASABISABI and SUCCESSFUL ERA after the race did not show any significant findings. SAPELLI and FAIR NAVIGATOR were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported FAST GO was noted to be making an abnormal breathing noise. He said FAST GO had previously been reported to be a "roarer".