08/05/2010  Shatin  Race 5

NEW LEADER, HOT PEPPER and AMAZING VENTURE were slow to begin. RACING LEGEND began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped LUCKY TYCOON. From wide barriers, CONFUCIUS FORTUNE and WIND KNIGHT were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, AMBITIOUS OWNER failed to muster speed and consequently raced back in the field. Near the 850 Metres, HOT PEPPER shifted out when being checked away from the heels of NAMJONG HUNTER and bumped RACING LEGEND. A short distance later, NEW LEADER and LUCKY TYCOON, which improved to be racing inside of HOT PEPPER, were crowded for room inside that horse which shifted in after bumping with RACING LEGEND. AMAZING VENTURE, which was following NEW LEADER, was checked to avoid the heels of that horse in consequence. Approaching the 600 Metres, HOT PEPPER was momentarily steadied when racing tight between RACING LEGEND and CHEEKY LAD which shifted out. Passing the 400 Metres, WIND KNIGHT was steadied away from the heels of RACING LEGEND. Then, near the 250 Metres, WIND KNIGHT was crowded for room between RACING LEGEND and HOT PEPPER which shifted out. AMAZING VENTURE had difficulty obtaining clear running until passing the 200 Metres. Passing the 200 Metres, DEVON JOY was checked when crowded for room between RACING LEGEND and AMBITIOUS OWNER (Apprentice C Y Ho) which shifted in when not clear. Apprentice Ho was severely reprimanded. Near the 150 Metres, GLOBAL RULER shifted out under pressure and bumped the hindquarters of LUCKY TYCOON, causing both horses to be unbalanced. Near the 100 Metres, HOT PEPPER was steadied away from the heels of RACING LEGEND which at this time was taken in slightly by AMBITIOUS OWNER. Close to the finishing line, AMBITIOUS OWNER shifted in and bumped CHEEKY LAD. LUCKY TYCOON, which was following CHEEKY LAD, was steadied in consequence. Because of this, LUCKY TYCOON was not ridden out to the end of the race as it normally would be. For the majority of the Straight, CONFUCIUS FORTUNE had some difficulty obtaining clear running. A veterinary inspection of NEW LEADER after the race did not show any significant findings. NEW LEADER, NAMJONG HUNTER and AMBITIOUS OWNER were sent for sampling.