09/03/2008  Shatin  Race 7

Following E Wilson being dislodged from UNDERDOG in Race 6, she was examined by the Club’s doctor and passed fit to fulfil her remaining riding engagements. HOLIGAN and CENTENNIAL SMILE were slow to begin. Shortly after the start, KENOBE and CLASSIC KING which began awkwardly bumped. In the early stages, PRIDEOFTHEORIENT proved very difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions. Near the 1600 Metres, KENOBE proved difficult to settle when awkwardly placed close to the heels of CLASSIC KING which was also proving difficult to settle. Near the 1200 Metres, LADY FIRST was momentarily crowded for room inside ENERGETIC BOY which shifted in. ENERGETIC BOY was then shifted out and continued forward. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, KENOBE was crowded for room inside LADY FIRST which shifted in when awkwardly placed close to the heels of ENERGETIC BOY. After this, LADY FIRST was shifted to the outside of ENERGETIC BOY and in doing so took CENTENNIAL SMILE wider on the track. Also making the turn at the 800 Metres, AMBITIOUS OWNER commenced to over-race and was checked away from the heels of MEATH. Approaching the 700 Metres, MYTHIC STEED was crowded for room inside KENOBE which when over-racing shifted in. For some distance after this, KENOBE continued to prove difficult to settle and raced close to the heels of CLASSIC KING. Rounding the Home Turn, ENERGETIC BOY, which was commencing to give ground, was momentarily crowded for room between LADY FIRST and CLASSIC KING which shifted to the outside of AMAZING CHOICE to improve its position. At the entrance to the Straight, KENOBE was momentarily crowded for room between CLASSIC KING and AMBITIOUS OWNER (B Prebble) which shifted out. B Prebble was advised to ensure he is clear when shifting ground in future. In the early part of the Straight, HOLIGAN was held up for clear running. Near the 50 Metres, MEATH was hampered when crowded for room between KENOBE and AMAZING CHOICE which after being bumped by ROMANTIC GREEN shifted out away from that horse. No action was taken. When questioned regarding his riding of WONDERFUL BLESSING, E Saint-Martin said from barrier 12 he was instructed to switch the horse off in the early stages, come across behind runners and ensure the horse was properly settled. He said it was felt had he ridden his mount in the early stages from a wide barrier, WONDERFUL BLESSING may have been left racing wide and without cover and accordingly may not have been able to finish the race off. He said when ridden in this manner at its most recent start the horse had finished the race off well. He said accordingly he took hold of his mount shortly after the start and came across behind runners at the rear of the field. He said WONDERFUL BLESSING travelled kindly throughout the race and approaching the Home Turn he elected to remain racing towards the inside and save ground in the hope that clear running would present itself. He said in the early part of the Straight WONDERFUL BLESSING made up ground quickly, however, near the 100 Metres he was obliged to check WONDERFUL BLESSING when he was not able to secure clear running. He said for some distance passing this point he was held up behind AMAZING CHOICE and ROMANTIC GREEN and passing the 50 Metres switched to the inside of ROMANTIC GREEN when that horse shifted out. He said however ROMANTIC GREEN then shifted back in and for this reason WONDERFUL BLESSING did not secure clear running and was not tested. He said had it not been held up at the vital stage of the race, he believed WONDERFUL BLESSING when ridden this way would have won today’s race. E Saint-Martin was told his explanation would be reported. KENOBE and NASA PEARL were sent for sampling.