15/02/2009  Shatin  Race 10

At the 1400 Metres, ROCKET Win was steadied when tightened for room inside ICHIBAN which was carried in slightly by VICTORY TREASURE. Approaching the 600 Metres, PRINCE KALAMOUN was bumped on several occasions, hampered and carried wider by MASTER ELITE (Z Purton) which was endeavouring to shift to the outside of VICTORY TREASURE into clear running. Z Purton was told to exercise care when endeavouring to obtain clear running. After the 500 Metres, ROCKET WIN broke down and was eased out of the race. At the 300 Metres, ROYAL PEGASUS was steadied away from the heels of PRINCE KALAMOUN. After the 200 Metres, VICTORY TREASURE was steadied when crowded for room between MASTER ELITE which got its head on the side and shifted in slightly while hanging and ICHIBAN which initially was carried out by VICTORY STYLE and then shifted further away from that horse. No action was taken. At the 150 Metres, M Chadwick (SPECIAL DRAGON) momentarily dropped his left rein. Throughout the race, PRINCE KALAMOUN travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the poor performance of MONTE CRISTO, O Doleuze said his mount travelled in a rearward position as is usual. He said MONTE CRISTO travelled satisfactorily until prior to straightening when it was placed under pressure to commence improving around the field. He said at this time MONTE CRISTO appeared unbalanced in its action and did not feel comfortable striding out. He said in the Home Straight MONTE CRISTO did not length stride as it had in the past and failed to close the race off. He did point out that MONTE CRISTO was today dropping back in distance from 2000 Metres. MONTE CRISTO was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of MONTE CRISTO after the race did not show any significant findings. SPECIAL DRAGON and MASTER ELITE were sent for sampling.