06/01/2008  Shatin  Race 1

SILVER WRAITH, which was standing with its head turned to the left, was slow to begin. Making the turn after the 700 Metres, SUPER hung out, then shortly after straightening was shifted wider on the track. From on straightening until after the 400 Metres, GLOBAL WAY was held up and unable to improve. In the early part of the Straight, GENERAL SPEEDEE had difficulty obtaining clear running. G Mossé (TIMBER CITY) said he had been instructed from the outside barrier to ride the horse which was racing first up from a lengthy spell in a rearward position. He said it was anticipated should he go forward as is usual with TIMBER CITY, the horse would be left racing wide and without cover and as a consequence would not be able to finish its race off. He said today when being ridden quietly, TIMBER CITY did not finish the race off. Mr A Schutz, trainer of TIMBER CITY, confirmed the riding instructions issued to G Mossé and said since the horse last raced last season it had experienced problems with both front fetlocks. He said because of this he had been restricted in the amount of work he was able to give TIMBER CITY leading into today’s race including not barrier trialing the horse. He said he anticipated the tempo of today’s race would be strong and felt should TIMBER CITY be ridden forward from its wide barrier, it would not have sufficient pace to cross runners on its inside and as a consequence would be left racing wide and without cover. He said should this occur, given the preparation TIMBER CITY had leading into the race, the horse would give ground noticeably in the Straight. He did say TIMBER CITY would derive benefit from today’s race and should the horse draw more favourably at its next start, it would be ridden in a more forward position. TIMBER CITY was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of TIMER CITY after the race did not show any significant findings. PERFECT ATHLETE, CHEERFUL HAPPINESS and MULTI-WIN SPIRIT were sent for sampling.