08/06/2008  Shatin  Race 7

VICTORY CONQUEROR was withdrawn on 6.6.08 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (left eye ulcer) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter CHATER POWER. As previously advised, VICTORY CONQUEROR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again. JIANG JUN was slow to begin. CHATER POWER put its head down just prior to the gates opening and was then slow to begin. WINDICATOR RETURNS bounded in the air at the start. In the early stages, TREASURABLE was taken back. Making the Home Turn, KING PRAWN SUPREME hung out. After the 300 Metres, HONEST TREASURE was shifted wider to obtain clear running. Near the 200 Metres, W M Lai (HONEST TREASURE) dropped his right rein. W M Lai was unable to regain this rein for a considerable distance. Also near the 200 Metres, CHATER POWER was steadied away from the heels of WELL NOTED. Throughout the race, WELL NOTED travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, M W Leung (BEAUTIFUL CHOICE) said from the outside barrier he had been instructed to allow the horse to begin, then travel in front of midfield with cover if possible. He said BEAUTIFUL CHOICE began satisfactorily, but was soon out-paced by runners drawn to his inside. He said he rode BEAUTIFUL CHOICE along in an endeavour to improve his position, however, the horse travelled in a midfield position wide on the track. He said in the Straight BEAUTIFUL CHOICE kept on only one-paced. When questioned regarding the performance of TAIJI SPIRIT, Z Purton said his mount sat back as the gates opened and as a consequence did not begin well. He said shortly after the start he lost further ground when he steadied away from the heels of DILIGENT II which shifted out. He said after this he was required to ride TAIJI SPIRIT along in an endeavour to make up ground and as a consequence the horse was not able to quicken after straightening. SIAMERIC TE SPECSO was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of SIAMERIC TE SPECSO after the race did not show any significant findings. JIANG JUN and KING PRAWN SUPREME were sent for sampling.