13/09/2009  Shatin  Race 9

FAT DRAGON was slow to begin, then despite being ridden along failed to muster speed. AMPLE GAINS was slow to begin. From a wide barrier, MR BLACKBERRY was taken across behind runners. Approaching the 500 Metres, MASTER POWER, which was reluctant to hold its position between PRIME SCORE and TAN TAT BABY, was checked across the heels of PRIME SCORE as a result of TAN TAT BABY (D Whyte) shifting away from the fence. D Whyte was advised to exercise care. Throughout the race, PRIME SCORE travelled wide and without cover. D Beadman (MASTER POWER) stated that his mount was reluctant to stretch out in the Home Straight on today’s track. When questioned, B Prebble (FAT CHOY ICHIBAN) stated that prior to the race he had intended to come to the outside of runners in the Home Straight if possible as FAT CHOY ICHIBAN had performed well when ridden in this manner on the only previous occasion that he had ridden the horse. He said accordingly passing the 300 Metres he commenced to shift out on FAT CHOY ICHIBAN with a view to obtaining clear running to the outside of MASTER POWER. He said as he did this MASTER POWER did not improve sufficiently and he was unable to shift immediately to the outside of that horse as CLASSA remained racing to his outside. He said because of this he was held up on FAT CHOY ICHIBAN until passing the 200 Metres at which time he was able to shift out without causing interference to CLASSA. After being shown the video, B Prebble agreed that a run was available to the inside of PRIME SCORE prior to his commencing to shift towards the outside of MASTER POWER, however, he was of the belief that the decision he made at that time to come to the outside would have afforded FAT CHOY ICHIBAN clear running had it not been that MASTER POWER was not travelling as well as he had expected. B Prebble was advised to ensure that he remains alert to all available runs as they present themselves in a race. STREET CAT, TERRIFIC BRETHREN and VIVA FIGHTER were sent for sampling.