01/12/2007  Shatin  Race 2

FASTER FASTER was slow to begin. In the early stages, CARELESS WHISPER was taken across behind runners from the outside barrier. At the 800 Metres, CARELESS WHISPER was steadied away from the heels of FASTER FASTER. After the 700 Metres, ARISTOCRACY got its head up and became unbalanced. Prior to straightening, SUN AWESOME commenced to give ground, then shortly afterwards was eased down by its rider. SUN AWESOME was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of SUN AWESOME after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of SUN AWESOME, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SUN AWESOME will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. In the Straight, WAVY PEAK hung in. O Doleuze (LORD CAIRNS) explained he had been instructed to ride the horse which was dropping back in distance to 1200 Metres today quietly in the early stages. He said it was anticipated if the horse was ridden to take up a forward positions as it does over longer distances, it would be left racing wide. He said in accordance with his instructions he came out of the barriers quietly on LORD CAIRNS, he shortly afterwards commenced to ride along, however, LORD CAIRNS took some time before mustering speed. He said after this LORD CAIRNS when racing behind runners raced ungenerously and proved difficult to settle. He said making the turn at the 700 Metres LORD CAIRNS lost its position when awkwardly placed between LUCKY MAN which shifted in and CARELESS WHISPER which had been racing ungenerously to his inside. He said after this LORD CAIRNS did not respond to his riding. He said today was LORD CAIRNS’ first start on the All Weather Track and he believed it was not suited on the surface racing over 1200 Metres. When LORD CAIRNS lost its position at the 700 Metres, MULTI-WIN SPIRIT, which was following, was hampered in consequence. When questioned regarding the poor performance of SPLENDID SAILS, B Prebble said from a wide barrier he travelled in a wide position throughout. He said prior to straightening he commenced to ride SPLENDID SAILS along, then on straightening he steadied away from the heels of LUCKY MAN which was giving ground. He said after this SPLENDID SAILS did not respond to his riding. He said in his opinion the action of SPLENDID SAILS today was not as fluent as when the horse was successful at its most recent start. He said in his opinion the horse may benefit from a freshen-up. SPLENDID SAILS was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of SPLENDID SAILS after the race did not show any significant findings. FASTER FASTER and MAJIN BUU were sent for sampling.