01/12/2007  Shatin  Race 9

Making the first turn, ANKH MORPORK got its head on the side and was steadied away from the heels of TOP HONOR. SECRET OF KINGS, which was following, was steadied in consequence. From a wide barrier, in the early stages ROCKET WIN was steadied and taken across behind runners. At the 1100 Metres, UNITED EFFORTS got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of HIGH INTELLIGENT. Making the turn at the 700 Metres, ROCKET WIN was steadied and shifted out away from the heels of TOM’S SIX. At the 500 Metres, UNITED EFFORTS was disappointed for running between HIGH INTELLIGENT and SIR GALAHAD which improved around the outside. ANKH MORPORK, which was following UNITED EFFORTS, was steadied away from the heels of that runner. Shortly after this, SECRET OF KINGS was steadied away from the heels of ANKH MORPORK. Shortly after straightening, SECRET OF KINGS was again steadied away from the heels of ANKH MORPORK. Approaching the 200 Metres, INDUSTRIAL MARVEL was steadied and shifted to the outside of SIR GALAHAD into clear running. At the 200 Metres, FORTUNE WARRIOR was checked when crowded for room between ANKH MORPORK and AMPLE GAINS (O Doleuze) which shifted in momentarily. In the circumstances, O Doleuze was severely reprimanded and told to exercise greater care. SECRET OF KINGS, which was following, was checked and shifted out away from the heels of FORTUNE WARRIOR. D Beadman (WHATABOB) explained because of the wide draw it was felt the horse would be best suited if ridden quietly to ensure he obtained a position with cover and to improve his position at the 600 Metres. He said in accordance with his instructions he left the barriers quietly on WHATABOB, however, the horse immediately commenced to over-race and would not come back underneath him. He said making the first turn WHATABOB hung out, continued to prove difficult to settle and therefore on entering the Back Straight he allowed the horse to stride forward and take up the lead. Mr J Moore, trainer of WHATABOB, confirmed the riding instructions issued and said WHATABOB performs best in his opinion when ridden with cover and he was concerned should the horse be ridden forward from the start, it would not have sufficient pace to cross runners to its inside and as a result would be left racing wide. He did say had WHATABOB drawn more favourably, the intention would have been to have the horse obtain a forward position with cover. When questioned, C K Tong (INDUSTRIAL MARVEL) said he had been instructed to go forward, if as anticipated KIMBO KID which was stepping up in distance today went forward to lead at a solid tempo, he should take a position behind that horse. He said INDUSTRIAL MARVEL began well, he rode along to cross to the fence, then KIMBO KID crossed to race to his outside. He said near the 1400 Metres KIMBO KID continued to go forward and he anticipated that horse would be intent on leading, so he commenced to steady INDUSTRIAL MARVEL to take a trailing position. He said however after the 1400 Metres KIMBO KID which was travelling on a loose rein did not continue to go forward and instead raced about three quarters of a length in front of INDUSTRIAL MARVEL to his outside. He said after entering the Back Straight he steadied to allow KIMBO KID to cross to the lead. He said shortly after this WHATABOB improved around the field to take up the lead and as a consequence INDUSTRIAL MARVEL travelled further back than was intended. He said he was not able to shift out to improve his position due to HIGH INTELLIGENT racing on his outside. C K Tong was told in the opinion of the Stewards, bearing in mind the tempo of the race in the early stages, his ride lacked initiative by failing to maintain a position inside KIMBO KID.  CARRIZO CREEK was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of CARRIZO CREEK after the race did not show any significant findings. INDUSTRIAL MARVEL, KIMBO KID and TOP HONOR were sent for sampling.