12/04/2008  Shatin  Race 10

ROCKET FORCE was slow to begin. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, BULLISH WIN failed to muster speed. Approaching the turn at the 800 Metres, ROCKET FORCE got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of NORDIC STAR (H W Lai) which shifted in when not clear. In the circumstances, H W Lai was severely reprimanded and told to exercise greater care. For some distance after this, ROCKET FORCE continued to race with its head up. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, DON FELIPE was steadied when awkwardly placed close to the heels of ISTIDE which itself was awkwardly placed close to the heels of CHINA WIN. For a considerable distance after straightening, DON FELIPE had difficulty obtaining clear running. Near the 300 Metres, ROCKET FORCE, which was racing awkwardly and inclined to hang in, was steadied when racing tight inside NORDIC STAR. After this, ROCKET FORCE continued to hang in. W M Lai (WAIT FOR ME) said he had been instructed to ride the horse which was dropping back in distance today in a rearward position as is usual. He said WAIT FOR ME travelled comfortably on the rail at the rear and in the Straight when placed under pressure responded nicely to his riding, however, he was not able obtain clear running and therefore could not fully test his mount. He said he did not shift wider on the track in the early part of the Straight as at that time there were runners to his outside. W M Lai was told his explanation would be reported. When questioned, C K Tong (FERRO BEAU) said he had been instructed to ride the horse in a similar manner to its most recent start, that was to ride the horse quietly in the early stages and then in the Home Straight ride the horse for luck. He said in accordance with those instructions after beginning well he immediately steadied FERRO BEAU to take it back to a rearward position. He said throughout the race he travelled two wide and was inside the heels of BULLISH WIN. He said on straightening he momentarily considered shifting out to find clear running, however, when BULLISH WIN held its position on his outside, he then shifted back towards the inside. He said he rode FERRO BEAU along hands and heels and the horse responded well to his riding, however, over about the last 200 Metres he was not able to obtain clear running and because of this the horse was not properly tested. Mr C Fownes, trainer of FERRO BEAU, confirmed the riding instructions issued and said the horse has previously shown itself to perform well both when ridden quietly from awkward draws and also more prominently from favourable barriers. He said in order for FERRO BEAU to perform to its best, the horse which in the past has shown a tendency to over-race must be settled. He said if FERRO BEAU were to draw an inside barrier, the horse may travel more prominently. The explanations of C K Tong and Mr Fownes were reported. CHINA WIN and WILLING STORM were sent for sampling.