17/02/2008  Shatin  Race 9

In the early stages, NEVER LOOK BACK was restrained to a rearward position. At the 1400 Metres, HELENE MASCOT, which had been proving very difficult to settle, was checked when crowded for room inside HORACE'S CHOICE which itself was proving very difficult to settle and shifted in when being steadied away from the heels of LU YUE. AMBITIOUS GENERAL and GREEN BIRDIE were hampered in consequence. No action was taken. After this, HELENE MASCOT and HORACE'S CHOICE continued to prove very difficult to settle. At the 900 Metres, AMBITIOUS GENERAL was carried wider by HELENE MASCOT which at this time shifted out away from the heels of FEARLESS. At the 800 Metres, WIN PRACTITIONER was steadied when awkwardly placed between GREEN BIRDIE which shifted out and AMBITIOUS GENERAL which came back in an endeavour to obtain a position with cover. After the 400 Metres, HORACE'S CHOICE was momentarily steadied when tightened for room between FEARLESS and DANESIS which shifted out. In the Straight, GREAT GUY hung in. Throughout the race, VISIONARIO travelled wide and without cover. G Boss (HORACE'S CHOICE) said after his mount proved difficult to settle in the early and middle stages, it then let out a significant breathing noise at the 500 Metres. He said in his opinion because of the manner in which HORACE'S CHOICE had been racing, the horse might have held its breath. He said after making this noise HORACE'S CHOICE failed to close the race off. He said after being eased down following the race, HORACE'S CHOICE was unsteady on its feet. Before being allowed to race again, HORACE'S CHOICE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. B Prebble (LU YUE) said his mount travelled comfortably in a forward position in the run. He said on straightening when LU YUE came under pressure, the horse failed to respond to his riding and was disappointing in the manner in which it closed the race off. He said LU YUE raced “flat” which indicated to him it might not have backed up following its last start. FEARLESS, HORACE'S CHOICE and LU YUE were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of FEARLESS, HORACE'S CHOICE and LU YUE after the race did not show any significant findings. GREEN BIRDIE and HELENE MASCOT were sent for sampling.