06/12/2008  Shatin  Race 7

On jumping, TAIJI SPIRIT and TREASURABLE were crowded for room between GREAT HERO which shifted out and WIN-A-LOT which shifted in. REUNION blundered at the start. Shortly after the start, when racing tight inside TREASURABLE, TAIJI SPIRIT was steadied away from the heels of GREAT HERO. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, VICTORY CONQUEROR failed to muster speed. After the 900 Metres, GREAT HERO became unbalanced when close to the heels of INDUSTRIAL MARVEL. Making the turn at the 700 Metres, WIN-A-LOT was steadied when awkwardly placed between INDUSTRIAL MARVEL and MIGHTY SUN. At the 600 Metres, TIGER RIDGE was left racing wide and without cover. On straightening, TREASURABLE was steadied and shifted towards the inside of GREAT HERO. Shortly after this, TREASURABLE, which was experiencing difficulty obtaining clear running, was shifted out and continued to have difficulty obtaining clear running until after the 200 Metres. For some distance after straightening, VICTORY CONQUEROR had difficulty obtaining clear running. In the early part of the Straight, SOLAR MIGHTY had difficulty obtaining clear running. At the 100 Metres, INDUSTRIAL MARVEL was bumped and carried wider by GREAT HERO which shifted out after becoming unbalanced when crowded for room between INDUSTRIAL MARVEL and TAIJI SPIRIT. Throughout the race, MIGHTY SUN travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the poor performance of WIN-A-LOT, O Doleuze was not able to offer an explanation. He said WIN-A-LOT had prior to its last start performed impressively in an official barrier trial wearing blinkers. He said whilst WIN-A-LOT performed satisfactorily at its most recent start, it was thought the addition of blinkers to the horse’s gear in today’s race would make the horse more competitive and therefore it was well fancied by the stable. He said WIN-A-LOT began only fairly and he had to make some use of it in the early stages to obtain a position slightly forward of midfield. He said after being ridden along in the early stages WIN-A-LOT travelled a little keenly in the run, however, this was of no significance. He said on straightening he shifted WIN-A-LOT into clear running and the horse quickly commenced to give ground. WIN-A-LOT was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of WIN-A-LOT after the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, WIN-A-LOT will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SOLAR MIGHTY and MACHO EXPRESSO were sent for sampling.