01/10/2008  Shatin  Race 1

LOHAN and BROWN BEAUTY were slow to begin. On jumping, EXPEDIKID became unbalanced when crowded for room between TRIUMPH and FORTUNE DRAGON, both of which shifted ground. Shortly after the start, ON SHAN BRAVE and STRIKING MASCOT were crowded for room inside HAPPY HEROES (Apprentice M L Yeung) which shifted in when not properly clear. Apprentice Yeung was told to exercise greater care. After the 1600 Metres, NASA PEARL and ON SHAN BRAVE were crowded for room inside STRIKING MASCOT which after being shifted to the inside of FORTUNE DRAGON was ridden along to improve its position and was then carried in by FORTUNE DRAGON which shifted in momentarily. No action was taken. After this incident, STRIKING MASCOT and FORTUNE DRAGON proved difficult to settle. At the 1200 Metres, LOHAN and NASA PEARL (Apprentice K C Leung) were steadied when crowded for room as NASA PEARL which was proving difficult to settle improved towards the inside of the heels of FORTUNE DRAGON which shifted in after having moved out momentarily. Apprentice Leung was advised to exercise care. Making the turn at the 800 Metres, NASA PEARL became unbalanced after striking the heels of FORTUNE DRAGON. Apprentice Leung was told to ensure he gives his mounts sufficient racing room. At the 350 Metres, TRIUMPH was shifted to the inside of EXPEDIKID to obtain clear running. At the 200 Metres, EXPEDIKID, which was giving ground, was crowded for room inside STRIKING MASCOT which when giving ground shifted in away from LOHAN as that horse which had been having difficulty obtaining clear running improved into a clear run between STRIKING MASCOT and ELECTRONICS SPUR. When questioned regarding the improved performance of FORTUNE DRAGON as opposed to the horse's first up performance at Sha Tin on 15 September 2008, Trainer A Lee said on both occasions the instructions had been to have the horse positioned in the first five runners if possible. He said at FORTUNE DRAGON's most recent run it was ridden by a 10 lb claiming apprentice and was slow to begin. He said after this FORTUNE DRAGON trailed the field throughout and was most disappointing. He said subsequent to that performance FORTUNE DRAGON had trialed satisfactorily and because of the manner in which the horse had raced in its previous run, for today's race he decided to engage a senior jockey which would ride the horse more strongly. He said in his opinion FORTUNE DRAGON might also have benefited from the step up in distance to 1800 Metres today. He said FORTUNE DRAGON had improved in its appearance since its first up run and he was hopeful of an improved showing from the horse, however, he did not rate FORTUNE DRAGON a strong chance. Mr Lee was told now FORTUNE DRAGON has established form, he would be expected to do all that is possible to ensure the horse maintains that form. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of STRIKING MASCOT, Z Purton said his mount over-raced in the early stages and was then able to travel into a forward position without use being made of it. He said STRIKING MASCOT travelled kindly in the run, however, when placed under pressure early in the Straight did not respond to his riding and was most disappointing in the manner in which it weakened from the 200 Metres. STRIKING MASCOT and ON SHAN BRAVE were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of STRIKING MASCOT after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, ON SHAN BRAVE was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, ON SHAN BRAVE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. LOHAN, FORTUNE DRAGON and NASA PEARL were sent for sampling.