22/06/2008  Shatin  Race 8

As the gates opened, MAVERICK STAR threw its head to the side and was slow to begin. After the 1100 Metres, LUCKYME was steadied away from the heels of DIM SUM. After the 1000 Metres, DIM SUM was tightened for room inside NORMAN INVADER which when proving difficult to settle shifted in momentarily. At the 800 Metres, ALWAYS GIGGLE was left racing wide and without cover. After the 50 Metres, GALLANT LION, which was closing the race off strongly, was momentarily steadied when improving close to the heels of ULTRA FANTASY. When questioned regarding the improved performance of SKYVIEW BAR, Mr A Lee, trainer of the horse, said he had been disappointed with the manner in which the horse had been racing in its recent starts. He said because of this he decided to vary the routine of SKYVIEW BAR and gave it four weeks between its last start and today’s race. He said during that period he freshened SKYVIEW BAR up by changing the manner in which he worked the horse. He said SKYVIEW BAR appeared to benefit from the change in track work routine and as a result gained body weight. He added today he reapplied side winkers to SKYVIEW BAR as the horse usually carries this equipment when racing over 1200 Metres or less on turf. He further said because of the manner in which today’s track was racing he asked H W Lai to allow SKYVIEW BAR to travel comfortably and not push it to obtain a forward position. He said he also instructed H W Lai to take the horse away from the rail in the Home Straight for its finishing run as in his opinion today’s track favoured horses finishing away from the rail. When questioned regarding the poor performance of SUPERIOR UNIT, B Prebble said his mount travelled satisfactorily throughout the run, in the early part of the Straight responded to his riding, however, over the final 250 Metres felt “flat”. He said SUPERIOR UNIT had a tough run at its last start and this may have affected the horse’s performance today. When questioned regarding the poor performance of NORMAN INVADER, Apprentice K L Chui said his mount travelled keenly in the early stages, however, after obtaining a position with cover near the 800 Metres relaxed and travelled comfortably. He said he placed his mount under pressure on straightening, it responded only fairly, then over the final 200 Metres gave ground. He was not able to offer any explanation for the performance. NORMAN INVADER was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. ALWAYS GIGGLE was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of NORMAN INVADER and ALWAYS GIGGLE after the race did not show any significant findings. SKYVIEW BAR and DIM SUM were sent for sampling.