05/10/2008  Shatin  Race 3

CRUSADER OF GOLD was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, B Prebble reached down and re-adjusted his left foot in the stirrup and then near the 50 Metres experienced difficulty in maintaining control of his left rein. Due to the tempo of the race, NATURAL NINE was steadied away from the heels of GREAT GUY passing the 1300 Metres and shifted out into a three wide position without cover until passing the 1000 Metres when NATURAL NINE was able to be shifted back in behind GREAT GUY. SOUTH BREEZE proved difficult to settle in the early and middle stages and raced wide without cover throughout. SOUTH BREEZE was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of SOUTH BREEZE after the race did not show any significant findings. Near the 500 Metres, KING HOGAN was momentarily awkwardly placed inside the heels of CRUSADER OF GOLD. MEDICO was held up for clear running in the early part of the Straight and near the 300 Metres was shifted to the inside of HAIL THE STORM to obtain clear running. When questioned, S K Sit (KING HOGAN) said the horse which he was riding for the first time today was difficult to settle in the early stages and passing the 1400 Metres whilst awkwardly placed, he restrained KING HOGAN as he was of the opinion CRUSADER OF GOLD was going to shift across to the fence. He added when he restrained KING HOGAN, the horse continued to prove difficult to settle for some distance thereafter. S K Sit was told to ensure he rides competitively and maintains his position wherever possible. MEDICO and HAIL THE STORM were sent for sampling.