09/03/2008  Shatin  Race 11

MAGIC TURBO, which was fractious in the barriers, was slow to begin and then shortly after the start was crowded for room inside DON RICARDO which was in turn crowded for room inside CIRCUIT HERO which got its head on the side and shifted in. Before being allowed to race again, MAGIC TURBO will have to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. ISTIDE was slow to begin and then bumped with BEAUTY PLUS which shifted out slightly. ISTIDE was then ridden to go forward. Approaching the 400 Metres, CIRCUIT HERO became unbalanced. Also approaching the 400 Metres, CONGRATULATION, which was improving between WIN AGAIN and ISTIDE, was momentarily crowded for room when ISTIDE drifted out. Near the 250 Metres, MISSION was steadied away from the heels of DON RICARDO and shifted to the inside of that horse to continue improving. Passing the 200 Metres, MASCOT FORTUNE hung out. CONGRATULATION hung in over the final 200 Metres. Approaching the 50 Metres, MISSION was shifted in away from the heels of ISTIDE which was weakening. Because of this, MISSION became awkwardly placed close to the heels of MASTER CRISTO and was not ridden out to the end of the race as it normally would be. Z Purton (OCEAN TRANQUIL), which was today resuming after a bleeding attack in November 2007, said he was instructed to ride the horse quietly. He said he was advised the horse had previously not been finishing its races off when ridden forward from wide draws and today from barrier 9 he was instructed to ensure that he obtained cover on the horse which it was felt would be behind midfield. He said OCEAN TRANQUIL travelled well throughout the race, however, its run finished over the final 100 Metres. F Coetzee (SCOOT DA LOOT) said he had been instructed to ride the horse quietly today as it was felt the horse had been somewhat disappointing in its failure to finish its races off when ridden in a forward position. He said from barrier 13 it was further felt the horse might be left racing wide and without cover if ridden in a forward position. He said accordingly he restrained SCOOT DA LOOT to the rear of the field, the horse travelled kindly for him, however, was left flat-footed when the pace quickened at the 500 Metres. He said in the Straight SCOOT DA LOOT finished the race off only fairly. When questioned regarding the tactics adopted on WIN AGAIN, D Beadman said he had been instructed to ensure the horse began well and then to obtain a forward position. He said WIN AGAIN began well and he rode his mount along in an endeavour to obtain a forward position, however, was obliged to race three wide without cover outside the leaders throughout the race. He said because of this WIN AGAIN was not able to finish its race off and weakened in the Straight. Mr J Moore, trainer of WIN AGAIN, said the horse has often proved fractious in the barriers and he has previously instructed its riders to ensure the horse began as well as possible. He said WIN AGAIN in its recent runs has not begun well as he had hoped and for this reason the horse raced further back than anticipated. Mr Moore was advised his comments would be reported, however, he was reminded of his obligation to have horses race consistently where circumstances permit. After the race, O Doleuze (CIRCUIT HERO) reported his mount was not striding out as he thought it should in the Straight. CIRCUIT HERO was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of CIRCUIT HERO after the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, CIRCUIT HERO will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. MASCOT FORTUNE and HANDSOME TARGET were sent for sampling. Additional Veterinary Reports (released on 10 March 2008) CIRCUIT HERO was examined by the Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison after the race. He said at that time there were no significant findings. CIRCUIT HERO was again examined by the Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison at the stables of Trainer A Lee this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its right front leg. As previously advised, CIRCUIT HERO will be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.