23/12/2007  Shatin  Race 3

DECAGONAL began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped SUPER IDEAL. SPIRIT OF LO PAN began awkwardly and lost ground. ENERGETIC BOY began awkwardly, bumped the inside gate of its stall and lost ground. From the outside barrier, MONTY was taken across behind runners. In the early and middle stages, NIGHT HUNTER III travelled wide and without cover. Approaching the 1400 Metres, DECAGONAL was momentarily crowded for room inside SPIRIT OF LO PAN. After this, DECAGONAL proved difficult to settle. Also approaching the 1400 Metres, FOREST FOUNTAIN was steadied when crowded for room inside KA KA SMART. At the 1300 Metres, KA KA SMART was steadied away from the heels of ROMANTIC GREEN (D Beadman) which shifted in when not properly clear. D Beadman was advised to exercise greater care. Approaching the 1100 Metres, KA KA SMART was steadied when crowded for room outside ROMANTIC GREEN which when proving difficult to settle shifted out while awkwardly placed close to the heels of SIGHT WINNER which shifted out slightly. No action was taken. Approaching the turn at the 800 Metres, FOREST FOUNTAIN was not able to maintain its position inside ROMANTIC GREEN. Approaching the 700 Metres, FOREST FOUNTAIN became unbalanced when being steadied away from the heels of ROMANTIC GREEN. Making the Home Turn, SPIRIT OF LO PAN hung out. Passing the 300 Metres, NEW COMMAND, which was giving ground, was momentarily steadied when crowded for room inside SPIRIT OF LO PAN which at this time was carried in by SIGHT WINNER which shifted ground while hanging. At the 200 Metres, SPIRIT OF LO PAN was steadied away from the heels of SIGHT WINNER which shifted further while continuing to hang in. Shortly after this, SIGHT WINNER shifted out abruptly when being straightened, then over the concluding stages again hung in badly. Also at the 200 Metres, WATCHMAN, which had been hanging out, was steadied when awkwardly placed between HARRY HARRY and MONTY which got its head on the side and shifted in. After the 100 Metres, SUPER IDEAL, which was closing the race off fairly, was shifted to the outside of FOREST FOUNTAIN to continue going forward. In the Straight, NIGHT HUNTER III hung in. MONTY was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, MONTY was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. SIGHT WINNER and SPIRIT OF LO PAN were sent for sampling.