03/11/2007  Shatin  Race 1

SUPREMACY was withdrawn on 1.11.07 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (respiratory disease) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter MEGA BULLET. Before being allowed to race again, SUPREMACY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. GOOD TRIO was slow to begin. BUDDIES SPIRIT began awkwardly, bumped the outside of its gate and then lost further ground after being bumped by LUCKY WORLD which began awkwardly, got its head up and shifted in. After this, BUDDIES SPIRIT was ridden along to go forward. After the 1100 Metres, LUCKY WORLD got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of MAGIC TOUCH. Making the turn at the 700 Metres, LUCKY WORLD and MAGIC TOUCH became unbalanced when following BUDDIES SPIRIT which at this time was steadied and shifted out away from the heels of JADE DANCER. At the 500 Metres, TOP SPEED was steadied way from GOOD TRIO. After the 500 Metres, JADE DANCER became unbalanced when racing close to the rail. At the 250 Metres, MAKE A MINT, which was giving ground, was momentarily steadied away from the heels of JADE DANCER (Apprentice K L Chui) which shifted out when not properly clear. Apprentice Chui was advised to exercise greater care. In the Straight, DASHING WINNER hung out. For the major part of the race, MEGA BULLET travelled wide and without cover. S Dye (SUPER FIGHTER) explained he had been instructed to ride the horse patiently from the outside barrier and with the top weight. He said it was thought SUPER FIGHTER would travel somewhere around midfield. He said SUPER FIGHTER began well, he did not ride along in the early stages in accordance with his instructions and commenced to shift across with the field. He said near the 1100 Metres he endeavoured to shift to a position behind TOP SPEED, however, GOOD TRIO which was being hard ridden on his inside improved its position and as a result he was not able to shift in without causing interference. He said to avoid being caught wide he then elected to steady his mount further and shift across behind runners and as a consequence travelled further back than anticipated. DASHING WINNER and BUDDIES SPIRIT was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of DASHING WINNER and BUDDIES SPIRIT after the race did not show any significant findings. TAIJI SPIRIT and MAINLAND MASTER were sent for sampling.