27/12/2009  Shatin  Race 2

BELONG TO CASA began awkwardly. LUCKY WINNER, which was leaning against the outside of its stall, was slow to begin and then despite being ridden along in the early stages failed to muster speed. WIN PET was slow to begin. Near the 1100 Metres, GALLOPY was steadied away from the heels of TREASURABLE (Apprentice K C Leung) which shifted in when not quite clear. Apprentice Leung was advised to ensure he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in future. In this incident, NEWSWIRE TOO, which was racing to the inside of GALLOPY, was crowded for room between that horse and ST DIDAR which shifted out slightly. Rounding the first turn, SOLAR UP was steadied away from the heels of BELONG TO CASA (Apprentice K W Leung) which shifted in when not properly clear. Apprentice Leung was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances. Also rounding the first turn, NEWSWIRE TOO got its head on the side and hung out, resulting in MISTER HORSE being inconvenienced. ST DIDAR also hung out rounding the first turn. Near the 600 Metres, SUPER PEPPER raced tight between TREASURABLE and SOLAR UP. ST DIDAR was briefly held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight. Approaching the 200 Metres, WIN PET was steadied away from the heels of TREASURABLE which itself became unbalanced when bumped by SUPER PEPPER which at this time was taken in slightly by SOLAR UP. In this incident, SOLAR UP became unbalanced when bumped on the hindquarters by SUPER PEPPER. No action was taken. Both SOLAR UP and PERFECT FIT travelled wide and without cover throughout. When questioned regarding the performance of SUPER PEPPER, which was having its first start on the All Weather surface, W C Marwing stated that he anticipated a forward showing from the horse today as it had worked well on the surface in track work. He said after obtaining a good position, SUPER PEPPER appeared to resent racing tight inside SOLAR UP in the middle stages. He said when asked for an effort in the Straight, SUPER PEPPER did not quicken as it has done at its previous starts. A veterinary inspection of SUPER PEPPER and TREASURABLE after the race did not show any significant findings. SUPER PEPPER, PERFECT FIT and ST DIDAR were sent for sampling.