08/02/2009  Shatin  Race 4

After arriving at the Start, it was noted BEAR MACHO had its tongue over the bit. This was corrected prior to the horse being loaded. On jumping, MASTER POWER blundered. Making the turn at the 700 Metres, ROYAL PERICLES was left racing wide and without cover. After the 600 Metres, BEAR MACHO became unbalanced. In the early part of the Straight, SUPERIOR UNIT hung in. After the 200 Metres, ALWAYS GIGGLE, which was closing the race off strongly, was steadied and shifted out away from the heels of SUPERIOR UNIT. When questioned regarding the poor performance of POT OF GOLD, a last start winner, M Chadwick said his mount gave him the impression it was not at its best racing on the All Weather surface. He said POT OF GOLD had performed poorly at its only other start on this surface. He said POT OF GOLD did not show the same early speed it showed when it was successful at its most recent start on the turf. He said in the Straight POT OF GOLD hung in and proved difficult for him to ride. POT OF GOLD was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of POT OF GOLD after the race did not show any significant findings. LUCKY QUALITY and SOLAR MIGHTY were sent for sampling. <9/2/2009 Additional Veterinary Report> POT OF GOLD, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time there were no significant findings. POT OF GOLD was again examined by the Head of Veterinary Regulation & International Liaison at the stables of Trainer A S Cruz this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in its left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, POT OF GOLD will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.