18/05/2008  Shatin  Race 8

GUNNER MAC was withdrawn on 16.5.08 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore foot) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter MAGIC CHARIOT (D Whyte). Before being allowed to race again, GUNNER MAC will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After being boxed, SCOOT DA LOOT became fractious, endeavoured to get its head down, then as the start was effected got its head down and as a consequence lost a considerable amount of ground. Before being allowed to race again, SCOOT DA LOOT will have to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. THUNDER FLASH began awkwardly. Over the concluding stages, DUMBARTON ROCK hung out. Also over the concluding stages, DRAGON EYE got its head on the side, was inclined to shift in and as a consequence was awkwardly placed outside the heels of KINGIFLY. For the major part of the race, BELONG TO CASA hung in. When questioned, Y T Cheng (SUPER PLUS) said the intention had been to have the horse ridden where it was comfortable following the speed and endeavour to close the race off strongly over the final 400 Metres. He said SUPER PLUS began fairly, travelled satisfactorily in the early stages of the race, however, when placed under pressure at the 400 Metres did not respond in the manner in which it did when it was successful at its most recent start. He said SUPER PLUS made gradual ground until near the 100 Metres when it was checked as a result of being disappointed for running between QUICK TOUCH which shifted in slightly and REUNION which was giving ground. He said after this SUPER PLUS kept on only one-paced and in his opinion was disappointing. REUNION was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, REUNION was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said the horse was making an abnormal breathing noise. SUPER PLUS, BOOMING CITY and DUMBARTON ROCK were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported BULB KING had lost its right front plate.