18/09/2010  Shatin  Race 3

TELECOM TOP STAR and AFFLUENCE OF RAIN were slow to begin. BEST WIN shifted out at the start and bumped WELL NOTED. Passing the 400 Metres, AFFLUENCE OF RAIN was checked away from the heels of CHEETAH BOY when badly held up for clear running behind that horse. AFFLUENCE OF RAIN then did not obtain clear running until near the 300 Metres. Near the 200 Metres, HAPPY GUYS shifted in and was steadied away from the heels of HIGH RETURN. In the Straight, BEST WIN got its head on the side and lay out. When questioned, W C Marwing stated that with the blinkers applied today, AFFLUENCE OF RAIN raced keenly in the early stages. He said passing the 1000 Metres he was racing behind EJIMERIC TE SPECSO, however, rounding the first turn near the 850 Metres AFFLUENCE OF RAIN was reluctant to hold its position when momentarily crowded for room between TELECOM TOP STAR and BEST WIN, both of which shifted ground. He said he did not want to ride AFFLUENCE OF RAIN along at this time to maintain its position as he felt that the horse would prove difficult to settle given the manner it travelled in the early stages. He said because of this AFFLUENCE OF RAIN was not able to maintain its position on the back of EJIMERIC TE SPECSO. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of EJIMERIC TE SPECSO, D Whyte stated that he was at a loss to explain the horse’s performance. He said after being afforded a nice run behind the eventual winner, BET ON ME, EJIMERIC TE SPECSO was not able to sprint with that horse and was most disappointing in its failure to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of EJIMERIC TE SPECSO after the race did not show any significant findings. BET ON ME and BEST WIN were sent for sampling.