20/12/2008  Shatin  Race 7

THE GOODIES stood flat-footed at the start and was slow to begin. MONTE CRISTO sat back as the gates opened and was slow to begin. SPECIAL DRAGON began awkwardly and lost ground. In the early stages, despite being ridden along, MAVERICK failed to muster speed. At the 1600 Metres, THE GOODIES was steadied and shifted out away from the heels of LUCKY CHAMPION. At the 1200 Metres, SIR GALAHAD, which was proving difficult to settle, was steadied away from the heels of DASH AHEAD. Near the 1000 Metres, AMSTERDAM, which was proving difficult to settle, was carried wider by SPECIAL DRAGON which was also proving difficult to settle and shifted out from behind SPIRIT OF LO PAN as the tempo of the race steadied. After this, AMSTERDAM travelled wide and without cover for the reminder of the race. Prior to straightening, LUCKY CHAMPION was crowded for room inside MONTE CRISTO which became unbalanced when being steadied away from the heels of SPECIAL DRAGON. On straightening, SPECIAL DRAGON got its head on the side and hung in, then shortly afterwards was shifted wider on the track to obtain clear running. At the 350 Metres, SIR GALAHAD, which was hanging in, was steadied when disappointed for running between MAVERICK and SPECIAL DRAGON which shifted out. SIR GALAHAD did not obtain clear running until after the 200 Metres. From the 350 Metres until the 150 Metres, MONTE CRISTO was held up and unable to improve. Because of this, MONTE CRISTO was not fully tested. Over the final 150 Metres, LUCKY CHAMPION did not obtain clear running and because of this was not tested. SPECIAL DRAGON, DUMBARTON ROCK and MONTE CRISTO were sent for sampling.