28/11/2010  Shatin  Race 7

Whilst in the saddling stalls, it was noted that LEGEND EXPRESS had shifted its left hind plate. This plate was refitted. LEGEND EXPRESS was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. LEGEND EXPRESS was slow to begin. For some distance approaching and passing the 1000 Metres, STAR SON got its head up and proved difficult to settle when racing close to the heels of QUANTUM EXPRESS. Passing the 700 Metres, STAR SON again got its head up when being checked away from the heels of QUANTUM EXPRESS. Throughout the race, MR TOPAZ travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, Z Purton advised that after discussing the manner in which QUANTUM EXPRESS should be ridden today with Trainer K W Lui, it was decided that the horse should be ridden with cover if possible. He said from barrier 13, he was concerned as to whether too much use would have to be made of QUANTUM EXPRESS were it to lead as it had done on occasions when successful. He said after deciding that the horse should be ridden with cover, it was hoped that QUANTUM EXPRESS would be able to obtain a position behind MASCOT FORTUNE which was anticipated would go forward in today’s race. He said accordingly he took hold of QUANTUM EXPRESS out of the barriers and attempted to obtain the position behind MASCOT FORTUNE which was drawn to his inside and was being ridden to obtain a forward position. He said passing the 1200 Metres MASCOT FORTUNE obtained a forward position behind the leaders, he attempted to shift QUANTUM EXPRESS behind MASCOT FORTUNE, however, he was unable to do so when MASCOT FORTUNE was steadied and FOREST STAR maintained its position to the inside of QUANTUM EXPRESS. He said for this reason he was left racing wide and without cover and after the 1000 Metres allowed QUANTUM EXPRESS to stride forward to take up a more prominent position outside the hindquarters of CAPTAIN SWEET which itself raced at the hindquarters of the leader, FLYING BLUE. He said however that QUANTUM EXPRESS was obliged to race wide and without cover throughout the race. Trainer K W Lui advised the Stewards that it was agreed that QUANTUM EXPRESS should be attempted to be ridden with cover today and he suggested to Jockey Purton that he may be able to obtain a position behind MASCOT FORTUNE. He said whilst QUANTUM EXPRESS had been successful when leading in its races, the horse had also previously performed well when ridden with cover over the course and distance and it was felt that from barrier 13, rather than use the horse up to be ridden into a forward position, it would be in QUANTUM EXPRESS’ best interests if it were to be ridden with cover. Mr Lui and Jockey Purton were advised that the Stewards would note their explanations. A veterinary inspection of MASCOT FORTUNE after the race did not show any significant findings. CAPTAIN SWEET and FLYING BLUE were sent for sampling.