01/01/2008  Shatin  Race 2

TOP SPEED began awkwardly and shifted in abruptly. DONGGUAN VICTORY began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped ACCELERATOR. On jumping, RISING WIN and FANTASTIC WIN bumped. DANZIGMOUNTAIN was slow to begin. After the 1400 Metres, MULLAAD, which had been racing wide on the track, was taken back to obtain a position with cover. Approaching the 1000 Metres, TOP SPEED became unbalanced when being steadied while racing inside the heels of VITALITY CHAMP. Throughout the race, FABULOUS TREASURE from the outside barrier travelled wide and without cover and making the Home Turn hung out. On straightening, ACCELERATOR was steadied and shifted to the inside of DONGGUAN VICTORY to obtain clear running. On several occasions after the 400 Metres, ACCELERATOR and RISING WIN bumped. For some distance after the 300 Metres, RISING WIN was steadied and shifted out when unable to obtain clear running between FANTASTIC WIN which commenced to give ground and ACCELERATOR. P H Lo (FANTASTIC WIN) explained he had been instructed to ride the horse in a forward position if possible. He said accordingly he rode along in the early stages and travelled in 4th position. He said when being ridden in this manner, FANTASTIC WIN kept on only one-paced under pressure. Mr Y S Tsui, trainer of FANTASTIC WIN, confirmed the riding instructions issued. He said in his opinion FANTASTIC WIN has been disappointing in the manner in which it has finished its races off recently when being ridden in a rearward position. He said he anticipated the pace of today’s race would be slow, so he felt it would be in the best interest of FANTASTIC WIN if it was able to be ridden in a more forward position. He did add FANTASTIC WIN had again failed to finish the race off when being ridden in this manner. VITALITY CHAMP was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of VITALITY CHAMP after the race did not show any significant findings. ACCELERATOR and WAVY PEAK were sent for sampling.