12/10/2008  Shatin  Race 1

After arriving in the saddling stalls, SUPER SPECIAL had its right front plate reset. SUPER SPECIAL was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said it was suitable to race. Prior to the field being loaded, the bell which signifies the start of the race was incorrectly sounded as a result of the manual override button located in the Judges Box being accidentally pressed. As the start was effected, SUPER SPECIAL became fractious, bounded in the air and as a consequence lost a considerable amount of ground. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, G-ONE LEADING was carried wider by FULL BLESSINGS. When questioned regarding the improved performance of ABLE STANDARD, Trainer K W Lui explained after the horse began badly at its first run of the season, it travelled much further back than was anticipated. He said then despite being ridden along the horse appeared reluctant to pick up the bridle and travel as it should. He said on that occasion ABLE STANDARD was given an outside chance by the stable. He said since that poor performance he removed the blinkers from ABLE STANDARD in the hope of changing the horse's attitude and to have it travel and race more truly. He said ABLE STANDARD had performed satisfactorily in an official barrier trial since its last start, however, the horse was again only given an outside chance by the stable in today's race. He said he was surprised at the betting support for ABLE STANDARD in today's race and this had not been inspired by the stable. He said with the blinkers off today ABLE STANDARD began well, was able to obtain a forward position without being made use of and despite travelling in a three wide position without cover was able to turn its form around. When questioned, Mr A S Cruz, trainer of FULL BLESSINGS, explained at the horse's most recent start when ridden by B Prebble, it travelled in a forward position and proved difficult to settle with horses travelling around it. He said after the race B Prebble explained to him because of the manner in which the horse had over-raced, it was not able to finish the race off and in his opinion would be better suited ridden more quietly and dropping back in distance. Mr Cruz said because of this advice he today dropped FULL BLESSINGS back in distance to 1200 Metres and instructed K L Chui to ride the horse in a midfield position or worse. He said today FULL BLESSINGS again proved difficult to settle, hung out making the turn at the 800 Metres and finished the race off only fairly. He said he believes if FULL BLESSINGS learns to settle better in its races, the horse will show an improvement in its performances. He said he intends on continuing to have FULL BLESSINGS ridden in a manner similar to it was today in its upcoming races. LUCKY WORLD was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. After the race, LUCKY WORLD was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, LUCKY WORLD will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. FULL BLESSINGS was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of FULL BLESSINGS after the race did not show any significant findings. ABLE STANDARD and TOP SPEED were sent for sampling.