10/01/2010  Shatin  Race 8

FINN MACCOOL was slow to begin. In the early and middle stages, PERFECT STYLE proved very difficult to settle and between the 900 Metres and the 500 Metres was continually checked away from the heels of BEAUTIFUL DREAMER. Near the 500 Metres, BEAUTIFUL DREAMER was checked when improving into a tight run between FINN MACCOOL and CALIFORNIA MOON (Apprentice M Chadwick) which, after initially shifting out, shifted back in slightly. Apprentice Chadwick was advised to do his utmost to prevent his mounts from shifting ground in future. In this incident, FINN MACCOOL became unbalanced after being bumped by BEAUTIFUL DREAMER. PERFECT STYLE, which was following BEAUTIFUL DREAMER, was shifted out away from the heels of that horse and in doing so bumped NEEDLES AND THREAD which was taken wider. Passing the 300 Metres, SPECIAL K was steadied and shifted to the outside of the heels of FINN MACCOOL after being disappointed for running to the inside of that horse. H W Lai (MUTUAL FRIENDSHIP) dropped his whip near the 250 Metres. In the Straight, CALIFORNIA MOON got its head on the side and hung in. When questioned, O Doleuze stated that he was under no firm instructions on WATCH WHAT HAPPENS other than to ensure that the horse did not over-race as it had done at its recent starts. He said with the addition of the side winkers today, it was hoped that the horse would be able to travel in a forward position behind the leaders if possible. He said WATCH WHAT HAPPENS began reasonably well, he allowed the horse to improve into a forward position and had intended to race outside ROYAL PERICLES. He said however when he observed the rider of ROYAL PERICLES restraining that horse, he allowed WATCH WHAT HAPPENS to continue to improve its position. He said he then observed GRAND STORE being ridden forward from a wide draw, but rather than unduly restrained WATCH WHAT HAPPENS, which would result in the horse over-racing, he elected to allow it to continue on in the lead. He said when ridden in this manner today, WATCH WHAT HAPPENS, whilst well beaten by the winner ROYAL PERICLES, performed well to obtain second placing. Mr S Woods, the trainer of WATCH WHAT HAPPENS, confirmed the instructions given to O Doleuze. He said he had anticipated that WATCH WHAT HAPPENS would race in a 4th or 5th position, however, due to the circumstances of the race, he was comfortable that WATCH WHAT HAPPENS had led. A veterinary inspection of PERFECT STYLE after the race did not show any significant findings. ROYAL PERICLES and WATCH WHAT HAPPENS were sent for sampling.