21/09/2008  Shatin  Race 10

EIGHT PLUS NINE and WISE LOVER were slow to begin. At the 900 Metres and again at the 800 Metres, EIGHT PLUS NINE was steadied away from the heels of ABOVE ALL. After the 900 Metres, CIRCUIT HERO got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of CRYSTAL (W M Lai) which shifted in when not properly clear. W M Lai was severely reprimanded and told to exercise greater care. From on straightening until after the 200 Metres, BEAUTY EXPRESS was held up and unable to obtain clear running. After the 200 Metres, EIGHT PLUS NINE was steadied when disappointed for running between ABOVE ALL which shifted in slightly and UNIQUE SPEED which was carried wider by HOLIDAY SUN. No action was taken. Close to the winning post, ABOVE ALL was checked when crowded for room between SOLAR POWER which shifted in and HOLIDAY SUN which was carried out by WISE LOVER. No action was taken. For the majority of the Home Straight, CIRCUIT HERO was held up and unable to obtain clear running and as a result was not fully tested. Throughout the race, BULLISH WIN travelled wide and without cover. D Beadman (MEDICO) explained the intention had been to ride the horse in a forward position if possible. He said at the start MEDICO bounded in the air and lost ground. He said he then allowed MEDICO to travel forward, however, it soon became apparent to him that he would be left racing wide and without cover, he therefore approaching the 1200 Metres steadied MEDICO to come back in a position behind SOLAR POWER which was further back than intended. He said when ridden in this manner MEDICO closed the race off nicely. B Prebble (BEST FRIEND) said his horse was restless in the barriers and as a consequence was slow to begin. He said after this occurred, from a wide barrier and carrying a large weight, he decided to ride BEST FRIEND from the rear. He said had the horse drawn more favourably the intention would have been to have it ridden more prominently. He said BEST FRIEND travelled comfortably throughout the race, in the early part of the Straight quickened, however, over the concluding stages its run levelled out. He said BEST FRIEND will be better suited racing over distances of longer than the 1400 Metres of today’s race. BEST FRIEND was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of BEST FRIEND after the race did not show any significant findings. SOLAR ENERGY and MEDICO were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported MAGIC SWEEP had sustained abrasions to its right hind leg.