23/11/2008  Shatin  Race 8

Prior to the winning post, JOYFUL WINNER was steadied when crowded for room inside SUNNY KING which initially got its head on the side and shifted in away from GOOD BA BA and was then carried in by that horse which shifted ground while hanging. No action was taken. O Doleuze (GOOD BA BA) explained it was intended to ride the horse at the rear which is not unusual. He said in accordance with those instructions he took GOOD BA BA back on jumping. He said along the Back Straight he travelled at the rear in a position one off the rail following SUNNY KING as he wished to ensure his mount had clear running on the outside of the field in the Home Straight. He said he was aware EGYPTIAN RA opened up a widening lead after the 600 Metres, however, for him to improve he would have been required to shift into a three wide position and commence a long run around the field. He said GOOD BA BA was travelling reasonably, however, in his opinion not sufficiently well to make such a run at that stage of the race. He said after the 600 Metres he commenced riding GOOD BA BA along hands and heels to follow SUNNY KING forward and GOOD BA BA responded fairly. He said after entering the Straight he shifted GOOD BA BA to the outside, the horse responded strongly to his riding, however, wanted to hang in. He said in his opinion the run of GOOD BA BA finished about 50 Metres short of the line today. GOOD BA BA, EGYPTIAN RA and SIGHT WINNER were sent for sampling.