20/01/2008  Shatin  Race 6

KING OF SPADES and KENOBE were slow to begin. From the outside barrier, GALAXY DANCER was taken back across runners, then throughout the race failed to stretch out and finished tailed out. The performance of GALAXY DANCER was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, GALAXY DANCER will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Near the 1300 Metres, KENOBE, which had been ridden along in an endeavour to improve its position, was steadied when awkwardly placed between FIRST KNIGHT and EXPEDITIOUS. Making the turn near the 800 Metres, REAL SURPRISE was steadied away from the heels of TYCOON TAYLOR. After the 800 Metres, ANIMATION was left racing wide and without cover. In the early part of the Straight, MASCOT FORTUNE raced tight inside OPERA MAGIC which was hanging in. Passing the 250 Metres, KING OF SPADES had difficulty obtaining clear running. Approaching the 200 Metres, MASCOT FORTUNE was bumped by NATURAL FATCHOY which shifted out. After this, MASCOT FORTUNE hung out for the remainder of the race. For the majority of the race, TYCOON TAYLOR raced wide and without cover. E Saint-Martin (ANIMATION) said the intention had been to ride the horse with cover. He said his mount travelled satisfactorily in the early stages, however, when left racing without cover after the 800 Metres his mount made the turn awkwardly and was not comfortable in its action. He said after entering the Straight ANIMATION did not close the race off as hoped. He said in his opinion the manner in which ANIMATION raced resulted in the horse performing poorly. ANIMATION and GALAXY DANCER were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of ANIMATION and GALAXY DANCER after the race did not show any significant findings. AMAZING CHOISIR and MASCOT FORTUNE were sent for sampling.