23/12/2007  Shatin  Race 8

TIME SUPREME was withdrawn on 22.12.07 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore). Before being allowed to race again, TIME SUPREME will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. FAMOUS DANCER began awkwardly and bounded in the air at the start. FEARLESS and AGILITY were slow to begin. After the 200 Metres, FLYING TAMARI, which was having difficulty obtaining clear running, was steadied and shifted to the outside of HAIL THE STORM, then after the 100 Metres was checked when disappointed for running between SYLLABUS and HAIL THE STORM which was carried wider by FEARLESS. After this, FLYING TAMARI continued to be held up and as a consequence was not ridden out to the end of the race. S Dye (HAIL THE STORM) explained because the horse has been performing poorly and also today’s track appeared to be favouring forward running horses, he was instructed to have his mount in a more forward position than is usual from its wide draw. He said he gave HAIL THE STORM a liven up prior to entering the barriers, the horse began well and he was able to gradually make his way across to race outside the lead without having to ride along to do so. When questioned regarding the performance of SUNNY KING, D Beadman said the horse, which was racing over 1800 Metres for the first tine today since arriving in Hong Kong, did not relax in the early stages because of the tempo of the race. He said as a consequence SUNNY KING failed to quicken when placed under pressure in the manner in which it has previously. He said in his opinion at this stage of its career SUNNY KING is better suited by the faster tempo of races over shorter distances than 1800 Metres. D Whyte was not able to offer an explanation for the poor performance of the SUPREME GAINS. He said his mount travelled in a three wide position without cover for the majority of the race. He said even taking this into account the horse was not entitled to come under pressure at the 600 Metres. He said SUPREME GAINS was disappointing in the manner in which it closed the race off. SUPREME GAINS was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of SUPREME GAINS after the race did not show any significant findings. SUNNY KING, BULLISH CASH and LUCKYME were sent for sampling.