10/10/2010  Shatin  Race 9

As the start was effected, MASCOT FORTUNE lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently was slow to begin. WINDICATOR POWER was crowded for room at the start between BESPOKE MASTER and EJIMERIC TE SPECSO, both of which shifted ground. Near the 900 Metres, SEA PRINCE got its head up and raced fiercely. When being steadied away from the heels of EJIMERIC TE SPECSO which got its head on the side and shifted in despite the efforts of its rider, Apprentice M L Yeung, near the 900 Metres, BESPOKE MASTER got its head up and became awkward. Passing the 700 Metres, BESPOKE MASTER got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of EJIMERIC TE SPECSO. Near the 150 Metres, SEA PRINCE and FLYING COLOURS brushed due to SEA PRINCE getting its head on the side and laying in. When FLYING COLOURS and SEA PRINCE brushed, SEA PRINCE shifted out and was momentarily awkwardly placed inside the heels of MR CELERITY. Close to the finishing line, WINDICATOR POWER shifted out and away from FIVE CLUBS. Throughout the race, ARION OF CHIU TON travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, B Prebble stated that Mr K L Man, trainer of FIVE CLUBS, was of the opinion that the horse had travelled strongly in the lead at its most recent start and although it had finished in the placings, he was somewhat disappointed with the manner in which FIVE CLUBS closed off the race. He said it had been stressed to him today to have FIVE CLUBS settled in the early stages and travelling comfortably so that it would be able to close off its race. He said in the early stages FIVE CLUBS was travelling comfortably in a position behind the front running horses. He said near the 900 Metres he observed the rider of MR CELERITY looking to obtain a position in front of FIVE CLUBS with cover behind SEA PRINCE. He said he did give consideration to urging his mount along at this time in an endeavour to prevent MR CELERITY from being able to shift in and obtain cover, however, he felt that to have done this he would have had to make some use of FIVE CLUBS which would be contrary to his explicit instructions to have the horse settled. He said for this reason he allowed MR CELERITY to shift in to a one-off position in front of FIVE CLUBS near the 800 Metres. A veterinary inspection of BESPOKE MASTER after the race did not show any significant findings. MR CELERITY and FLYING COLOURS were sent for sampling.