02/02/2008  Shatin  Race 9

SINGING DINERS was withdrawn prior to the first race by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (sprained right front fetlock). Before being allowed to race again, SINGING DINERS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. EYSHAL and TOM’S SIX were slow to begin. In the early stages, IRON FIST proved difficult to settle and raced tight inside EYSHAL which near the 1200 Metres shifted in when being steadied away from the heels of ALBERTINELLI which shifted in when barely clear. No action was taken. Making the Home Turn, JACKPOT DELIGHT and ALL CHANCES hung out. After the 400 Metres, TOM’S SIX was shifted to the inside of IRON FIST to obtain clear running. At the 350 Metres, RICE FIELD was steadied and shifted out in an endeavour to obtain clear running. For some distance approaching the 300 Metres, IRON FIST and EYSHAL raced tight and on several occasions bumped. Near the 100 Metres, JACKPOT DELIGHT shifted in and caused ALBERTINELLI to be slightly inconvenienced. When JACKPOT DELIGHT was straightened by its rider, C Soumillon, it then shifted out in the run to the line. For the major part of the race, ALL CHANCES travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the poor performance of JADE DRAGONFLY, O Doleuze said the horse did not handle today’s wet track conditions. E Wilson (DORDENMA) said she had been instructed to ride the horse quietly from an awkward barrier in an endeavour to have it close off strongly. JACKPOT DELIGHT and ALBERTINELLI were sent for sampling.