09/03/2008  Shatin  Race 3

ANIMATION was slow to begin and then was ridden along to go forward. After this, ANIMATION raced wide and without cover throughout the race. OCTAGONAL CANYON threw its head in the air and began awkwardly, then in the early stages proved difficult to settle. EASTERN FIREBALL began awkwardly. SEVENS HEAVEN was slow to begin. Passing the 1300 Metres, EASTERN FIREBALL was steadied away from the heels of ANIMATION when being shifted in to a position closer to the fence. At the same time, BITE MY DUST was steadied away from the heels of FORTUNE GALLOP which shifted in. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, TELEWIN became unbalanced when racing inside CRYSTAL. Near the 300 Metres, PROGRESSING TIMES was held up for a run behind TREASURE COLT and inside DRAGON INN. Near the 200 Metres, M W Leung (DRAGON INN) dropped his whip. At the 200 Metres, TELEWIN was shifted out away from the heels of ANIMATION which commenced to tire. Then approaching the 100 Metres, TELEWIN was steadied when crowded for room between ANIMATION and FORTUNE GALLOP which shifted in. Near the 50 Metres, SEVENS HEAVEN was steadied away from the heels of DRAGON INN which was commencing to tire. When questioned, H W Lai (BITE MY DUST) said from an outside barrier he was to attempt to obtain cover. He said he was told at its most recent start the horse was ridden along in the early stages and then failed to finish the race off. He said BITE MY DUST began well today, however, due to his instructions he took hold of the horse in the early stages in an attempt to obtain cover. He said passing the 1000 Metres he was able to shift in to a position with cover behind OCTAGONAL CANYON, but this resulted in the horse being slightly further back in the field than had been anticipated. When questioned regarding the performance of TREASURE COLT, Apprentice C W Wong said he had to make some use of the horse in the early stages to obtain a forward position. He said because of the use he had to make of TREASURE COLT, the horse was not able to finish the race off as it did last start. ANIMATION was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. TREASURE COLT and EASTERN FIREBALL were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of ANIMATION and TREASURE COLT after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, EASTERN FIREBALL was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, EASTERN FIREBALL will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A MIRROR and CRYSTAL were sent for sampling.