14/12/2008  Shatin  Race 3

PERFECT STYLE was fractious in its stall after being boxed. Before being allowed to race again, PERFECT STYLE will have to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. PERFECT STYLE, which was standing with its head turned to the left, began awkwardly and lost ground. On jumping, KILDARE bumped with GUNNER MAC, then shortly afterwards lost further ground when checked to avoid the heels of GUNNER MAC which was carried in by HIT SONG. From the outside barrier, on jumping, HONGKONG SUPERSTAR was taken back. Near the 1000 Metres, GUNNER MAC lost ground when inconvenienced by BLESSING which got its head on the side and shifted in. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, KILDARE, which had been ridden along to make up lost ground and was over-racing, became unbalanced when momentarily crowded for room inside BRILLIANT CHAPTER. No action was taken. ONE WORLD, which was following, was steadied in consequence. Also making the turn at the 800 Metres, HONGKONG SUPERSTAR, which was proving difficult to settle, was steadied away from the heels of GUNNER MAC. DEFERENTIAL and PERFECT STYLE, which were following, were hampered in consequence. In the early part of the Straight, KILDARE had difficulty obtaining clear running. After the 200 Metres, ONE WORLD was bumped by HONGKONG SUPERSTAR which shifted out. Also after the 200 Metres, BOOMING CITY was steadied when awkwardly placed between DOUBLE LUCK and BRILLIANT CHAPTER. Close to the line, DEFERENTIAL and ONE WORLD raced tight. For the majority of the race, GRAND STORE travelled wide and without cover. Throughout the race, BOOMING CITY travelled wide and without cover. B Prebble (HIGH MARK) said the horse’s work in the lead up to today’s race was in his opinion good. He said the intention was to ride HIGH MARK in 4th or 5th position if possible. He said after beginning with the field he did not ride HIGH MARK along vigorously to go forward as he believed the horse’s natural speed would enable it to obtain its intended position. He said he was concerned if HIGH MARK was ridden along in the early stages, it would prove difficult to settle. He said while racing without cover in the early stages, he obtained cover in a three wide position making the turn at the 800 Metres. He said prior to straightening HIGH MARK came under pressure and disappointed him in the manner in which it finished its race off. He said in the Straight HIGH MARK was making a respiratory noise and on pulling up made a significant respiratory noise. HIGH MARK was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, HIGH MARK was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said there were no significant findings, however, he did report that as HIGH MARK was fractious he was not able to perform an endoscopic examination on the horse. Before being allowed to race again, HIGH MARK will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. GUNNER MAC was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of GUNNER MAC after the race did not show any significant findings. BRILLIANT CHAPTER and HONGKONG SUPERSTAR were sent for sampling.