16/03/2008  Shatin  Race 6

DON RICARDO was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, NICE KING was steadied and taken back when awkwardly placed between STAREILLY and MAGIC SWEEP, then in the early stages proved difficult to settle. After the 1200 Metres, MONTE CRISTO was steadied when awkwardly placed inside REAL SPECIAL which was carried in momentarily by LUMINOUS. Near the 500 Metres, FOREVER FRIENDSHIP was hampered and carried wider by MONTE CRISTO which for some distance had been awkwardly placed close to the heels of MAGIC SWEEP and at this time shifted out when being steadied away from the heels of that horse. No action was taken. From on straightening until after the 300 Metres, FAVOURITE SUPREME was held up and unable to obtain clear running. Near the 400 Metres, MONTE CRISTO became unbalanced as a result of crowding between LIFELINE RAPIDE and MAGIC SWEEP which at this time shifted out slightly. No action was taken. After the 300 Metres, FOREVER FRIENDSHIP, which was having difficulty obtaining clear running, was steadied away from the heels of LIFELINE RAPIDE. After this, FOREVER FRIENDSHIP continued to have difficulty obtaining clear running until after the 200 Metres. When questioned, W M Lai (LUMINOUS) said in the early stages he commenced to shift across gradually in an endeavour to obtain a position one off the fence. He said REAL SPECIAL which had drawn immediately to his outside shortly after the start was steadied, shifted in and then ridden along to improve on his inside. He said as he was shifting, he received a call from the rider of REAL SPECIAL and because of this he allowed that horse to improve on his inside. He said at the 700 Metres he felt the tempo of the race was steadying and he commenced to shift his horse into a three wide position. He said as he did this LIFELINE RAPIDE shifted out on his inside and as a consequence he was carried wider which resulted in LUMINOUS making the Home Turn wide and without cover. He said in the Straight LUMINOUS then gave ground. W M Lai was told his explanation would be reported. REAL SPECIAL was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of REAL SPECIAL after the race did not show any significant findings. FAMAGUSTA and FAVOURITE SUPREME were sent for sampling.