09/02/2008  Shatin  Race 6

AMAZING VENTURE was slow to begin. On jumping, WIN MORE became unbalanced when bumped between GALLANT WIN and BUCCANEER which was carried out by CITY SURFER. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, WIN MORE again became unbalanced after getting its head on the side, shifting in and bumping KING OF FISH which hung out making the turn. After this, WIN MORE shifted out and raced without cover and in doing so carried CITY SURFER which had been travelling without cover wider. On straightening, PROGRESSING TIMES was carried wider by AMAZING VENTURE which itself was carried wider by PERFECT MATCH which shifted ground while hanging. As a consequence, JOLLY WONGCHOY, which was following, was held up and not able to obtain clear running for a short distance. When questioned, Z Purton (BUCCANEER) said he had followed BOUNCER throughout the race which in turn had followed ISLAND SUNRISE. He said in his opinion these were the two hardest horses to beat in the race. He said on entering the Home Straight he followed BOUNCER out away from the rail as he believed that horse would carry him forward. He said it would have been detrimental to the chances of BUCCANEER to have remained racing close to the rail as in his opinion today’s track suited horses making ground away from the rail. He said as a consequence he was able to follow BOUNCER forward while being slightly held up until near the 300 Metres. He said when clear running presented itself at the 300 Metres, he immediately commenced to ride BUCCANEER out hands and heels, then near the 200 Metres commenced riding the horse with the whip. He said despite being ridden in this manner, the run of BUCCANEER ended in his opinion prior to the final 100 Metres. The explanation of Z Purton was reported. ISLAND SUNRISE and BOUNCER were sent for sampling.