26/10/2008  Shatin  Race 8

MEDIC POWER began awkwardly and was then taken across behind runners. Shortly after the start, SCINTILLATION was steadied when crowded for room between DOWN TOWN which shifted out and SUNNY POWER. Passing the 900 Metres, SCINTILLATION and SUNNY POWER bumped. Passing the 800 Metres, FRIENDLY GAINS proved difficult to settle when being steadied to allow SUPERIOR UNIT to cross into the lead. For some distance after the 800 Metres, SCINTILLATION proved difficult to settle when being steadied away from the heels of DOWN TOWN. GREEN BIRDIE and FRIENDLY GAINS had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Near the 250 Metres, SUNNY POWER, which had been unable to obtain clear running from on entering the Straight, was severely checked when disappointed for running between NIGHTLIGN and GREEN BIRDIE. Passing the 100 Metres, NIGHTLIGN and SUNNY POWER bumped when crowded for room between ENTHUSED and MEDIC POWER which shifted out under pressure. Because of this, SUNNY POWER was not ridden out to the end of the race. In the Straight, SCINTILLATION was unable to obtain clear running and was not tested. Throughout the race, ENTHUSED travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the poor performance of NIGHTLIGN, Y T Cheng said he was able to obtain a forward position with cover behind the lead as instructed. He said NIGHTLIGN travelled satisfactorily in the run. He said on straightening he shifted NIGHTLIGN into clear running, however, the horse did not respond when placed under pressure. He said NIGHTLIGN kept on one paced until the 200 Metres however, gave ground over the concluding stages. He was not able to offer an explanation for the performance of NIGHTLIGN and said he had ridden the horse in track work on one occasion in the lead up to the race and in his opinion this work was satisfactory. NIGHTLIGN was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of NIGHTLIGN after the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding his riding of ABLE PRINCE, D Beadman said in pre-race discussions with Trainer J Moore, he had suggested that the horse which had drawn 14 should be ridden quietly today to which Mr Moore had agreed. He said although ABLE PRINCE possesses sufficient speed to go forward in today’s race, he felt he would have had to make use of the horse to do so and that the horse would therefore be unable to finish the race off. He said accordingly he took ABLE PRINCE back in the early stages of the race and raced at the rear. He said shortly after entering the Straight he shifted ABLE PRINCE out to make its run, however, the saddle shifted slightly to the left hand side. He said although he was somewhat disadvantaged in riding ABLE PRINCE out due to the saddle shifting, the horse did not finish the race off. SCINTILLATION and ABLE PRINCE were sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, SCINTILLATION was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse's trachea. A veterinary inspection of ABLE PRINCE after the race did not show any significant findings. GREEN BIRDIE and DOWN TOWN were sent for sampling.