06/01/2013  Shatin  Race 3

GORGEOUS RULER and NAMJONG TURBO began awkwardly. From wide barriers, ABLE DRAGON and DARS AUTO were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 1200 Metres, FANTASTISCH lost ground when crowded for room between SPARKLING and NAMJONG TURBO which shifted out slightly when awkwardly placed close to the heels of MASTER RACER. GORGEOUS RULER travelled wide and without cover until near the 800 Metres at which time the horse was able to shift in to race outside the leader, HURRY HURRY UP. Passing the 800 Metres, SADDLERS LODGE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of FANTASTISCH. Near the 300 Metres, NAMJONG TURBO was steadied away from the heels of BILLION GAINS which shifted in slightly when giving ground. A veterinary inspection of BILLION GAINS after the race revealed the horse to have bled from both nostrils. SPARKLING hung in under pressure in the Straight. When questioned, O Doleuze stated that he had to make considerable use of M’S MAGIC in the early stages to take up a forward position as instructed. He said M’S MAGIC then travelled strongly in the middle stages and near the 600 Metres was awkwardly placed close to the heels of GORGEOUS RULER. He said after this M’S MAGIC came under pressure to hold its position and, in his opinion, was reluctant to race amongst runners. He added in the Straight M’S MAGIC finished off the race only fairly. A veterinary inspection of M’S MAGIC after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of GORGEOUS RULER after the race did not show any significant findings. M’S MAGIC, DARS AUTO and FANTASTISCH were sent for sampling.