14/03/2010  Shatin  Race 10

MR VIGOROUS, which was difficult to load and then became fractious once placed in the barriers, will have to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test before being allowed to race again. CHINA WIN was slow to begin. SAPELLI blundered badly on jumping. From wide barriers, ROCKET POWER and TAKEANOTHERCHANCE were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 150 Metres, TAKEANOTHERCHANCE, which was closing the race off strongly, was steadied away from the heels of SEA PRINCE. Throughout the race, SUPER SPIRIT travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, Apprentice T H So stated that he had been instructed to lead on MR VIGOROUS as the horse had been successful when racing overseas when ridden in this manner. He said these instructions were similar to those which he was given at the horse’s most recent start, however, on that occasion the horse was slow to begin and therefore he was unable to comply with his instructions. He said that after obtaining the lead, he allowed MR VIGOROUS to continue on as he did not want THUNDER DANCING, which was racing to his outside, to be in a position to cross MR VIGOROUS having in mind his instructions were to lead. Trainer L Ho confirmed the instructions given to Apprentice So in today’s race as well as those given to him at the horse’s most recent start. When questioned, M W Leung stated that after obtaining a position on the outside of MR VIGOROUS, he attempted to steady THUNDER DANCING, however, the horse commenced to hang out making the first turn and proved difficult for him to steady. He said that although he was aware the tempo of the race at this time was quick, he was not able to relax the tempo on THUNDER DANCING due to the manner in which it was racing. He said that THUNDER DANCING continued to hang out until after entering the Straight. When questioned, M Chadwick (ROCKET POWER) stated that from barrier 13, he was instructed to take ROCKET POWER across behind runners, obtain a position on the fence and ride the horse for luck. He said in the early stages the horse was reluctant to stride out and appeared uncomfortable on today’s surface. He said he niggled at ROCKET POWER to have it consolidate its position inside TAKEANOTHERCHANCE in the early and middle stages, however, ROCKET POWER was reluctant to improve its position. He added when ridden out in the Straight, ROCKET POWER finished off the race only fairly. M Chadwick was advised his explanation would be reported, however, he was told that he must make every endeavour to have his horses race in the best possible position to ensure that they race competitively. A veterinary inspection of EIGHT PLUS NINE and SEA PRINCE after the race did not show any significant findings. VAUGIRARD, SAPELLI and ACHILLES OF TROY were sent for sampling.