26/10/2008  Shatin  Race 1

DAYLIGHT EXPRESS was slow to begin and then lost further ground when crowded for room between SIMPLY THE BEST and TREMENDOUS PLUS. At the 1200 Metres, when racing wide on the track, after having initially been ridden to go forward, MULTI-WIN SPIRIT was then steadied and taken back to a position with cover. After the 800 Metres, SOUND OF SILENCE was left racing wide and without cover. At the 700 Metres, DAYLIGHT EXPRESS, which was racing ungenerously, lost its position when awkwardly placed between SOUND OF SILENCE and JADE CHINA. Making the Home Turn, ELEPHANT STAR was carried wider by REDHILL COMMANDER which was shifting out to obtain clear running. Shortly after straightening, ELEPHANT STAR was bumped by REDHILL COMMANDER which shifted further. On straightening, MULTI-WIN SPIRIT was shifted in to obtain clear running. At the 200 Metres, when improving into a run between AIPODER IMAGE and WONDER KID, DIAMOND FLYER got its head on the side and hung in. When questioned regarding the poor performance of FIRST KNIGHT, O Doleuze said his mount did not travel at any stage of the race. He said today from a wide barrier FIRST KNIGHT travelled at the rear and was under pressure throughout. He said in the Straight he shifted FIRST KNIGHT to the outside, however, the horse did not respond to his riding. He said at its most recent start FIRST KNIGHT from a more favourable barrier was able to obtain a position between horses and travelled strongly. FIRST KNIGHT, SOUND OF SILENCE and DAYLIGHT EXPRESS were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of FIRST KNIGHT, SOUND OF SILENCE and DAYLIGHT EXPRESS after the race did not show any significant findings. TREMENDOUS PLUS and REDHILL COMMANDER were sent for sampling.