12/12/2010  Shatin  Race 1

AFFLUENCE OF RAIN began awkwardly. GRACYTOM, TEAM WORK and FOREST STAR were slow to begin. From the outside barrier, GOOD GAINS was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. After being awkwardly placed close to the heels of MR AWARD near the 750 Metres, KING OF HEARTS shifted out, resulting in AFFLUENCE OF RAIN being taken wider. Passing the 700 Metres, TEAM WORK was steadied away from the heels of CHATEAU DE CAIX. TEAM WORK was held up for clear running until passing the 200 Metres and then near the 100 Metres was steadied when disappointed for running between CHATEAU DE CAIX and WINNER SMART. Because of this, TEAM WORK was not properly tested. B Prebble (PRETTY ONE) stated that he had not been under any specific instruction on how to ride the horse from barrier 13, however, it had been hoped that the horse may be able to obtain a position in midfield with cover. He said although PRETTY ONE began well, he chose not to ride the horse along in the early stages, but rather to take it across behind runners and attempt to obtain a position with cover. He said however that after initially racing to the outside of AFFLUENCE OF RAIN, he was not able to obtain a position behind that horse when other runners maintained their positions to his inside. He said this resulted in PRETTY ONE racing wide and without cover for the majority of the race. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that MULTIBULLISH had bled from both nostrils. PRETTY ONE, AFFLUENCE OF RAIN and PAGANINI’S SOUL were sent for sampling.