03/11/2007  Shatin  Race 7

INDUSTRIAL MARVEL began awkwardly. MAGIC TEMPLE was slow to begin. Making the first turn, SECRET OF KINGS was steadied away from the heels of INDUSTRIAL MARVEL (Apprentice C W Wong) which shifted in when not quite clear. Apprentice Wong was advised to exercise greater care. At the 1400 Metres, YANKEE, which had been racing wide and without cover, was steadied and taken across behind runners. On straightening, MAGIC TEMPLE was steadied and shifted to the outside of YANKEE to obtain clear running. In the early part of the Straight, CARRIZO CREEK had difficulty obtaining clear running. At the 100 Metres, TOP HONOR, which for some distance had been having difficulty obtaining clear running, was steadied and shifted in away from the heels of INDUSTRIAL MARVEL which at this time shifted out slightly. For the major part of the race, SOCRATES travelled wide and without cover. The performance of WADADELIGHT, which tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, WADADELIGHT will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, E Saint-Martin (SECRET OF KINGS), which was having its first race start on the All Weather surface, said he had been instructed to take advantage of the horse’s good draw and have it race in a forward position if possible. Mr Y S Tsui, trainer of SECRET OF KINGS, confirmed the riding instructions issued to E Saint-Martin and said he felt SECRET OF KINGS would be best suited ridden this way at its first race start on the surface as in his opinion it may not perform well facing the kickback. He added he was also mindful that the other All Weather surface race on today’s programme seemed to favour horses racing in a forward position. He said because of this he asked E Saint-Martin to have the horse travel in 3rd or 4th position. He said if SECRET OF KINGS were to race again on the All Weather Track, where the horse would be ridden will depend on the draw and the anticipated speed of the race. When questioned regarding the poor performance of ROCKET WIN, C K Tong said he had been instructed to ride the horse in a forward position. He said because of the manner in which the race was run and a number of runners maintaining their position to his inside, he was obliged to race wide and without cover around the first turn. He said after entering the Back Straight he took ROCKET WIN back to a position with cover, however, in his opinion the horse was not suited by the manner in which the race was run. YANKEE was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of YANKEE after the race did not show any significant findings. AMPLE GAINS and INDUSTRIAL MARVEL were sent for sampling.