15/12/2007  Shatin  Race 4

SUPER began awkwardly and got its head up. AMBITION and CRUSH ON YOU were slow to begin. After the 1000 Metres, FAST WINNER was left racing wide and without cover. For some distance after the 900 Metres, FILEBO got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of GLOBE RIVER (C K TONG) which initially shifted in when not properly clear and then steadied the tempo. C K Tong was severely reprimanded and advised to exercise greater care. Approaching the turn at the 800 Metres, VITAL PATROL got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of SILVER WRAITH. On straightening, STRAIGHT VICTORY was steadied and shifted in when disappointed for running between VITAL PATROL and SUPER. For some distance after this, STRAIGHT VICTORY was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SUPER. Shortly after straightening, SUPER was steadied and shifted out in an endeavour to obtain clear running. At the 300 Metres, SUPER was again steadied and shifted out away from the heels of FILEBO which was giving ground. Near the 100 Metres, the whip of B Prebble (CRUSH ON YOU) momentarily became entangled in the tail of PERFECT ATHLETE. Throughout the race, LIGHTNING MOUNT travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, D Whyte (GLOBAL WAY) explained he had ridden the horse in a forward position from a wide barrier at its most recent start and it had failed to finish the race off. He said therefore today from the outside barrier the intention was to ride the horse in a position about midfield with cover if possible. He said after beginning well he allowed runners on his inside to go forward. He said he then commenced to shift across in an endeavour to obtain a position with cover. He said as he did this FAST WINNER, which was travelling to his inside, also was coming back to find a position. He said he then near the 1200 Metres shifted across behind FAST WINNER in the hope of obtaining a position towards the inside of that runner. He said as the field approached the 800 Metres, he was carried back to a position behind FAST WINNER and then for some distance was awkwardly placed on the heels of that runner. He said as a consequence of this GLOBAL WAY travelled further back than intended. SUPER was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of SUPER after the race did not show any significant findings. CRUSH ON YOU and PERFECT ATHLETE were sent for sampling. After the race, it was reported FAST WINNER had lost its left hind plate and SILVER WRAITH had lost its right front plate.