16/02/2010  Shatin  Race 3

After arriving at the saddling stalls, HOW WONDERFUL had its left hind plate refitted. HOW WONDERFUL was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. SPLENDID CHAMPION (M Chadwick), which was fractious in the barriers, began awkwardly, shifted out and made contact with PUBLIC FIGURE. In this incident, M Chadwick became unbalanced in the saddle. NEW LEADER and KING GALILEO were slow to begin. ANIMATION began awkwardly and shortly afterwards was bumped by MARK UP. Near the 1500 Metres, MARK UP was steadied away from the heels of SOLAR WONDER which shifted out. Making the first turn, UPSIDE OF ANGER got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of SPLENDID CHAMPION. Passing the 700 Metres, SPLENDID CHAMPION was awkwardly placed close to the heels of LASKER. Passing the 300 Metres, LASKER, which was commencing to weaken, was steadied away from the heels of SPLENDID CHAMPION which got its head on the side and shifted in. In the Straight, HOW WONDERFUL hung in. Throughout the race, LASKER travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, B Prebble (FIONN’S DRAGON) stated that he was instructed to ride the horse where it was comfortable. He said when leading, FIONN’S DRAGON raced greenly and was inclined to shift ground on a number of occasions. He added the manner in which FIONN’S DRAGON raced today indicated to him that the horse lacked maturity. A veterinary inspection of FIONN’S DRAGON after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of LASKER after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, LASKER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. FIONN’S DRAGON, MARK UP and PACKING FRIEND were sent for sampling.