27/01/2008  Shatin  Race 5

After being boxed, ISLAND SPEED became fractious. CHEERFUL MASTER was slow to begin. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, AMPLE GAINS failed to muster speed. Near the 800 Metres, ROYAL PERICLES was momentarily steadied away from the heels of GRAND STORE. Over the final 800 Metres, JIANG JUN hung out badly. Over the concluding stages, ROYAL PERICLES hung out and shifted wider on the track. For the majority of the race, DEFERENTIAL travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, W M Lai (SUPERIOR UNIT) said he had been instructed to ride the horse in a rearward position. He said at its only other start in Hong Kong, SUPERIOR UNIT had hung out making the turns. He said it was thought that SUPERIOR UNIT might be obliged to race away from the rail today if ridden forward, therefore it would be in the horse’s best interest to take it back and cross onto the rail. He said SUPERIOR UNIT began well, he immediately steadied his mount to race in a rearward position. He said however he was not able to obtain a position on the rail and SUPERIOR UNIT again hung out badly making the turn after the 700 Metres. ISLAND SPEED was sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, ISLAND SPEED was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said the horse had sustained an abrasion to its upper gum. LIBERAL’S KNIGHT and CHATER POWER were sent for sampling.