12/05/2008  Shatin  Race 8

HOLD HANDS began awkwardly. In the early stages, HOLD HANDS and THREE CLUBS were taken across behind runners from wide draws. Also in the early stages, MAGIC TEMPLE was taken across behind runners from a wide draw and proved difficult to settle. Near the 1400 Metres, LUCKY CHAMPION was steadied when awkwardly placed inside the heels of INDUSTRIAL MARVEL which was carried in by SUPER PEGASUS which shifted in slightly away from the heels of TERRIFIC BRETHREN which crossed when barely clear. For some distance approaching the 1200 Metres, NAMJONG FIGHTERS proved difficult to settle, got its head up and shifted out away from the heels of BAYVIEW GREYSLEW which was also proving difficult to settle. After the 1200 Metres, THREE CLUBS, which for some distance had been over-racing, was checked to avoid the heels of NAMJONG FIGHTERS which while continuing to prove difficult to settle shifted in. In the circumstances, no action was taken. In the early and middle stages, CAGA BOY travelled wide and without cover. Approaching the 800 Metres, THREE CLUBS was shifted out and commenced to improve around the field. Near the 600 Metres, AMPLE GAINS was steadied and shifted out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of SUPREME GOLD. When questioned, Apprentice K T Yeung (SING FAY FAY) said it was anticipated the tempo of the race would be good, therefore it was decided that from the start he should come back in an endeavour to obtain a position on the rail following AMPLE GAINS. He said he rode in accordance with those instructions, however, because of the slow tempo of the race SING FAY FAY proved difficult for him to settle when travelling behind midfield. He said because of the manner in which SING FAY FAY was travelling, he did not after entering the Back Straight improve his position to the inside of AMPLE GAINS to ensure his mount did not over-race. He said approaching the turn at the 700 Metres he allowed SING FAY FAY to make ground towards the inside of AMPLE GAINS to improve his position. He said at the 600 Metres AMPLE GAINS was ridden along to improve its position and shortly afterwards he commenced to ride SING FAY FAY along, however, the horse did not immediately respond to his riding. He said in the Straight SING FAY FAY closed the race off nicely. Apprentice Yeung was told his explanation would be reported. When questioned regarding the poor performance of NAMJONG FIGHTERS, M W Leung explained the horse proved very difficult for him to settle in the early stages due to the slow tempo of the race. He said after obtaining cover entering the Back Straight NAMJONG FIGHTERS settled better for him, however, when placed under pressure hung out and did not finish the race off. He said he believed the manner in which the race was run contributed to the poor performance of NAMJONG FIGHTERS. NAMJONG FIGHTERS was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of NAMJONG FIGHTERS after the race did not show any significant findings. AMPLE GAINS, TERRIFIC BRETHREN and SUPER PEGASUS were sent for sampling.