04/12/2010  Shatin  Race 9

CHEETAH BOY threw its head up at the start and began awkwardly. FLYING CHINA was crowded for room at the start between FLORAL PICASSO which shifted in and CHATER D`CAT which was taken out by JUGGERNAUT. BUCCANEER began awkwardly. As the start was effected, GREEN JACKET lifted its front feet off the ground and was slow to begin. From the outside barrier, AMBITIOUS OWNER was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. For some distance passing the 1200 Metres, ROYAL PUMPKIN proved difficult to settle. FLYING CHINA was held up for clear running rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight. GREEN JACKET had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Near the 200 Metres, ROYAL PUMPKIN was steadied when disappointed for running to the inside of CHEETAH BOY. After this, ROYAL PUMPKIN was not able to obtain clear running and consequently was not tested over the concluding stages. Throughout the race, SMART KIDS travelled wide and without cover. CHEETAH BOY got its head on the side and lay out during the race. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of NEEDLES AND THREAD, N Callan stated that the horse travelled well throughout the race. He said he shifted the horse to the outside of runners rounding the Home Turn, however, NEEDLES AND THREAD quickly came under pressure and then failed to finish off the race despite being ridden out. A veterinary inspection of NEEDLES AND THREAD after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of PACKING FRIEND after the race revealed that the horse had bled from both nostrils. CHATER D`CAT and FLORAL PICASSO were sent for sampling.