01/07/2009  Shatin  Race 9

EIGHT PLUS NINE was slow to begin. DR POSSIBLE was slow into stride. On jumping, SOLAR ENERGY and NAMJONG HUNTER were crowded for room between LUCKYME and FORTUNE HAVEN which shifted in. In this incident, LUCKYME became unbalanced after being bumped by SOLAR ENERGY. After the 1000 Metres, EIGHT PLUS NINE, which was proving difficult to settle, got its head up. Commencing to make the turn at the 800 Metres, ELEGANT WIN got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of HAPPY SEVEN. At the 500 Metres, ELEGANT WIN was checked when awkwardly placed between FORTUNE HAVEN which shifted out slightly and HAPPY SEVEN which was giving ground. No action was taken. Prior to straightening, LUCKYME was bumped by SOLAR ENERGY which shifted out. Throughout the race, NAMJONG HUNTER travelled wide and without cover. Apprentice M Chadwick (SUPER GENKI) explained it was anticipated his mount which was dropping back in distance today would travel in the rear. He said despite being ridden along in the early stages SUPER GENKI failed to muster speed and became detached from the field. He said he continued to apply pressure to SUPER GENKI throughout the race in an endeavour to stay in touch with the field. He said after entering the Home Straight when shifted to the outside SUPER GENKI closed the race off strongly. The Stewards accepted the explanation of Apprentice Chadwick. When questioned regarding the poor performance of DR POSSIBLE, D Whyte said in the middle stages his mount did not appreciate racing inside other runners and was inclined to hang in. He said he had to make use of DR POSSIBLE to maintain his position. He said prior to straightening he shifted away from the rail, however, in the Straight when placed under pressure DR POSSIBLE hung in badly and failed to close the race off. DR POSSIBLE was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported DR POSSIBLE was noted to be making an abnormal breathing noise. He said DR POSSIBLE had previously been reported to be a “roarer”. FORTUNE HAVEN and GO LUCKY GO were sent for sampling.