28/12/2008  Shatin  Race 1

FASTER FASTER was slow to begin. ACTUARIAL TALENT was a little slow to begin and then despite being ridden along failed to muster speed. Shortly after the start, ALIVE AND KICKING became unbalanced after being bumped by LIMONCELLO which began awkwardly and shifted in. After this, despite being ridden along, LIMONCELLO failed to muster speed. When being taken back from a wide barrier in the early stages, MOUNT SURPLUS proved difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions. After the 1000 Metres, MAINLAND MASTER got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of MUTUAL GAIN (B Doyle) which shifted in when not properly clear. B Doyle was severely reprimanded and told to ensure he is properly clear of other runners before shifting ground. After the 200 Metres, MUTUAL GAIN was steadied when crowded for room between PALIO KING and SUPER RED which shifted in away from PERFECT ATHLETE after initially being carried in by that horse. In the circumstances, no action was taken. For the majority of the Home Straight, ALIVE AND KICKING hung in, proved difficult to ride and near the 100 Metres shifted in and bumped PERFECT ATHLETE. Throughout the race, OPTIC KING and MASTER OF SHAVERS travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the poor performance of MUTUAL GAIN, B Doyle said his mount travelled comfortably behind the leaders in the run, however, in the Straight disappointed him in the manner in which it failed to finish the race off. He said today he was not able to shift MUTUAL GAIN out to make its finishing run clear of other horses. He said MUTUAL GAIN appeared reluctant to take runs between horses in the Home Straight. MUTUAL GAIN and MOUNT SURPLUS were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of MUTUAL GAIN and MOUNT SURPLUS after the race did not show any significant findings. TOP SPEED and PALIO KING were sent for sampling.