25/10/2009  Shatin  Race 6

At declaration time, D Whyte was declared as the rider of both SUPER SATIN and SPEEDY. It was established that D Whyte had a firm commitment to ride SUPER SATIN. As such, the Stewards permitted Z Purton to be substituted as the rider of SPEEDY. For this declaration error, Trainer Y O Wong was fined $2,000. From the outside barrier, PENGLAI XIANZI was taken across behind runners. Passing the 1200 Metres, PENGLAI XIANZI got its head up on a number of occasions when proving difficult to settle. Passing the 1100 Metres, AMBITIOUS TREASURE was steadied to allow FLY ME TO THE MOON to cross. Near the 1000 Metres, KING OF HEARTS was crowded for room inside FLY ME TO THE MOON which was taken in by HIGH INTELLIGENT (G Cheyne) which shifted in when not clear. In this incident, AMBITIOUS TREASURE, which was racing behind FLY ME TO THE MOON, was checked in consequence. G Cheyne was reprimanded and advised to ensure he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances. Near the 800 Metres, PENGLAI XIANZI again got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of DIVINE KID. Also approaching the 800 Metres, SUPER SATIN was left racing wide and without cover. Near the 700 Metres, AMBITIOUS TREASURE was checked away from the heels of FLY ME TO THE MOON. ALGARVE, which was following, was hampered in consequence. At the same point, SPEEDY was shifted out when restrained away from the heels of SILVER BLAZE. In this incident, PRECISION MAGIC was taken wider. Passing the 700 Metres, KING OF HEARTS, which was proving difficult to settle, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of HIGH INTELLIGENT. D Beadman (KING OF HEARTS) reported that his mount hung in quite badly near the 200 Metres and as he was changing the whip from his left hand into his right hand, he momentarily dropped his right rein. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of FLY ME TO THE MOON, C Williams stated that the horse was very fractious in the barriers and consequently was slow to begin. He said he was then obliged to ride along in the early stages to take up a forward position as instructed. He said FLY ME TO THE MOON did not appear to appreciate being crowded for room near the 1000 Metres, but after this incident did commence to travel satisfactorily. He said however when placed under pressure in the Straight, FLY ME TO THE MOON was disappointing in the manner in which it failed to close off the race. He said he had been advised by Trainer J Size prior to the event that FLY ME TO THE MOON is a horse which does not appreciate racing amongst other horses. After the race, a veterinary inspection of FLY ME TO THE MOON, which was noted to be making an abnormal breathing noise, did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of SPEEDY after the race did not show any significant findings. ALGARVE and SUPER SATIN were sent for sampling.