28/01/2009  Shatin  Race 3

FASTER FASTER was slow to begin and then lost further ground when being checked to avoid the heels of TELECOM EMPEROR which shifted in after beginning awkwardly, resulting in J Winks, its rider, becoming unbalanced. From the outside barriers, in the early stages, PALIO KING and MOUNT SURPLUS were taken back. After the 1000 Metres, TELECOM EMPEROR, which had been ridden along to make up ground, was checked when crowded for room inside OWNERS LAD (J Victoire) which shifted in. As the Stewards were satisfied J Victoire attempted to relieve the pressure, he was reprimanded and told in similar circumstances he would be expected to exercise greater care. Near the 950 Metres, TELECOM EMPEROR lost its position when crowded for room between FASTER FASTER and OWNERS LAD which after being straightened was then carried back in by MUTUAL GAIN (B Doyle) which shifted in when not properly clear. B Doyle was severely reprimanded and told to exercise greater care. Making the Home Turn, PALIO KING hung out. Prior to straightening, ACTIVE VALOUR was crowded for room between MOUNT SURPLUS and DAYLIGHT EXPRESS which shifted out to obtain clear running. MUTUAL GAIN, which was following, was checked to avoid the heels of ACTIVE VALOUR. In the Straight, FASTER FASTER hung in and TELECOM EMPEROR hung out. Throughout the race, OPTIC KING and PALIO KING travelled wide and without cover. H W Lai was not able to offer any explanation for the poor performance of TOP SPEED which was a last start winner. He said the track work of TOP SPEED leading into today’s race was in his opinion satisfactory. He said TOP SPEED was slow to begin today, however, this was not unusual for the horse. He said TOP SPEED was able to obtain a position on the rail behind midfield, but at no stage of the race travelled comfortably, in the middle stages was niggled along to maintain its position, then in the Straight closed the race off only fairly. TOP SPEED was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of TOP SPEED after the race did not show any significant findings. NOBLE ZOOM and NEWSWIRE TOO were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that MOUNT SURPLUS had lost its right front plate.