12/10/2008  Shatin  Race 11

After arriving in the saddling stalls, GEM OF CHIU TON had an adjustment made to its right front plate. GEM OF CHIU TON was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. TIME SUPREME was slow to begin. SOLAR ENERGY began awkwardly. Shortly after the start, GEM OF CHIU TON was steadied away from the heels of QUICK TOUCH. From a wide barrier, BEAUTY EXPRESS was taken back in the early stages. Near the 1400 Metres, RICE FIELD, which had been travelling wide, was taken back in an endeavour to obtain cover. In the early stages, GOODY proved difficult to settle and at the 1300 Metres was steadied away from the heels of YANKEE. Prior to straightening, FULL PACK was steadied away from the heels of GOODY (W M Lai) which shifted out when not properly clear. W M Lai was severely reprimanded and told to exercise greater care. On straightening, RICE FIELD was steadied and shifted out away from the heels of FLYING TAMARI. At the 200 Metres, GEM OF CHIU TON, which was closing the race off strongly, was steadied and shifted out when unable to obtain clear running. After the 200 Metres, when improving on the inside of YANKEE, FULL PACK got its head on the side and hung in. Throughout the race, FLYING TAMARI travelled wide and without cover. M Du Plessis (MAN IN THE MIRROR) said when he rode the horse last start, he felt its performance was dour. He said because of this and also that MAN IN THE MIRROR was dropping back in distance to 1600 Metres, he requested that he be permitted to ride the horse in a more forward position than is usual. He said the connections agreed that he be permitted to do so and it was anticipated the horse would travel in front of midfield with cover as in the past it has proved difficult to settle when unable to obtain cover. He said he had MAN IN THE MIRROR begin well and when the anticipated leaders of the race did not go forward to lead him, MAN IN THE MIRROR was left in front. He said MAN IN THE MIRROR then proved difficult for him to settle and as a consequence continued on in the lead. He said MAN IN THE MIRROR led today due to the circumstances of the race and that the horse is better suited racing with cover. BEST FRIEND and EYSHAL were sent for sampling.