14/11/2010  Shatin  Race 1

JOLLY BIRD was slow to begin. EPEE DE HUA shifted out at the start, resulting in BLESS US ALL and IMAGINATION being crowded for room inside CHAIN WIN. On jumping, KING CREOLE and FASCINATING SMILE were crowded for room between ACTUARIAL TALENT and SCOOT DA LOOT which shifted in. A short distance later, KING CREOLE was checked away from the heels of ACTUARIAL TALENT which shifted out slightly. Shortly after the start, IMAGINATION, which was being shifted in to obtain a position closer to the rail, was checked away from the heels of BLESS US ALL which got its head up when taken out slightly by EPEE DE HUA. Passing the 200 Metres, BLESS US ALL was eased when awkwardly placed close to the heels of SUNSHINE BOY which got its head on the side and shifted out. In the Straight, IMAGINATION got its head on the side and hung in. Throughout the race, GOLD JOINT travelled wide and without cover. Z Purton (ACTUARIAL TALENT) reported that the horse did not stretch out as he thought it should at any stage of the race and for this reason he eased the horse down over the final 200 Metres. Before being allowed to race again, ACTUARIAL TALENT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, B Prebble stated that POWER AND GOLD travelled only fairly in the early and middle stages and came under pressure at the 700 Metres to hold its position. He said that passing the 600 Metres POWER AND GOLD made a significant abnormal breathing noise and despite being ridden out in the early part of the Straight did not respond to his riding. A veterinary inspection of POWER AND GOLD after the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, POWER AND GOLD will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. EPEE DE HUA and SUNSHINE BOY were sent for sampling.