25/11/2007  Shatin  Race 6

After arriving at the Start, SUPER BABY, which had kicked the railing on leaving the Parade Ring, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said in his opinion the horse was suitable to race. BOOMING CITY and SUPER BABY began awkwardly and lost ground. After the 800 Metres, ESPERANZA, which was racing without cover, proved difficult to settle and pulled its way forward. Passing the 800 Metres, BOOMING CITY was checked to avoid the heels of FOREVER FIGHT which at this time itself was steadied away from the heels of ENCORE WIN which after crossing to race outside the leader steadied. No action was taken. Prior to straightening, BOOMING CITY was steadied when awkwardly placed close to the heels of ESPERANZA which commenced to give ground, then in the early part of the Straight had difficulty obtaining clear running. After the 400 Metres, WISE LOVER, which was having difficulty obtaining clear running, was steadied away from the heels of FOREVER FIGHT. When questioned, D Whyte (LOCAL POWER) said from the outside barrier he had been instructed to ride the horse in a position with cover. He explained when he was given these instructions he discussed with the connections that he would endeavour to miss the start and then immediately shift across behind the field to ensure he obtained the position with cover. He said this intention was accepted by the connections. He said he rode LOCAL POWER in accordance with that intention and obtained a three wide position with cover near the rear. He said LOCAL POWER managed to finish the race off strongly when ridden in this manner. He said at its last start LOCAL POWER in his opinion raced too freely when ridden further forward and as a consequence in the Straight was disappointing in the manner in which it finished the race off while it was hanging out. LOCAL POWER, PRIME DELIGHT and ALL TIME HIGH were sent for sampling. After the race, ESPERANZA was examined by the Veterinary Officer at the request of Trainer P O’Sullivan. He said the horse was displaying an irregular heart beat and an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse’s trachea. Before being allowed to race again, ESPERANZA will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination.