26/12/2007  Shatin  Race 1

Making the turn at the 800 Metres, INVESTAR lay in and lost ground. In the middle stages, DASHING WINNER hung out. Over the concluding stages, PURE ALPHA hung in and near the 100 Metres brushed with TRIUMPH which at this time also shifted out. Throughout the race, SUPER MUSIC travelled wide and without cover. D Whyte (EMBRACES) explained he remained racing one horse away from the rail as he was concerned if he improved his position on the inside of SUPER FANTASY, with the rail in the C position, he would have difficulty obtaining clear running in the Straight. He said EMBRACES is best suited when it is able to close its races off with an uninterrupted run. When questioned regarding the poor performance of SUPER FANTASY, C Soumillon said the horse began awkwardly and in the early stages travelled fairly. He said he remained racing away from the rail as in his opinion the tempo of the race was strong for this class of horse and should he near the 900 Metres have shifted to a position on the rail, he would have been following horses which he believed would not close the race off. He said approaching the Home Turn he endeavoured to improve his position to hold PURE ALPHA in, however, SUPER FANTASY did not respond to his riding. He said in the Straight SUPER FANTASY failed to close the race off. SUPER FANTASY was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of SUPER FANTASY after the race did not show any significant findings. PURE ALPHA and TRIUMPH were sent for sampling. After the race, it was reported WONDER KID had lost its left front plate.