01/10/2007  Shatin  Race 5

DANABAA proved difficult to load into the barrier stalls. Before being allowed to race again, DANABAA will have to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. KING CREOLE was a little slow to begin and then was inconvenienced when crowded for room between PALIO KING and GENERAL SPEEDEE which shifted in. Shortly after the start, HELLO GIBRALTAR was steadied when awkwardly placed between REWARDING STAR and THUNDER VALLEY which shifted in. Approaching the turn at the 800 Metres, REWARDING STAR raced tight inside THUNDER VALLEY which at this time endeavoured to shift in. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, HELLO GIBRALTAR, which was racing greenly, was checked when awkwardly placed between CAPABILITY and NIGHT HUNTER III. After the 700 Metres, KING CREOLE, which proved difficult to settle, was steadied away from the heels of GENERAL SPEEDEE. For some distance approaching and passing the 200 Metres, CAPABILITY, CITY SURFER and PALIO KING had difficulty obtaining clear running. Passing the 200 Metres, G Boss (THUNDER VALLEY) dropped his whip. After the 150 Metres, CAPABILITY and CITY SURFER, which were attempting to improve into a narrow run, were checked when disappointed for running between DIAGHILEV which initially shifted out and KING CREOLE which shifted in after being bumped on the hindquarters by CAPABILITY. In this incident, both CAPABILITY and KING CREOLE became unbalanced. In the circumstances, no action was taken. For some distance after this, CITY SURFER had difficulty obtaining clear running. Just prior to the winning post, P H Lo (PALIO KING) fumbled his whip as he attempted to turn it in his right hand. Throughout the race, DANABAA travelled wide and without cover. G Boss explained he had to make use of THUNDER VALLEY in the early stages to go forward as instructed. He said making the turn at the 800 Metres THUNDER VALLEY appeared uncomfortable in its action and was reluctant to stride out. He said in the Straight THUNDER VALLEY did not respond to his riding. He said the manner in which THUNDER VALLEY raced indicated to him that it may appreciate a track with more give in it than that of today's. THUNDER VALLEY was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of THUNDER VALLEY after the race did not show any significant findings. KING CREOLE, FERRO BEAU and NATURAL FATCHOY were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported KING CREOLE had lost its right hind plate.