26/10/2008  Shatin  Race 7

On jumping, YOUNG LABEL , which had begun awkwardly, bumped with GREEN SUPER. Also on jumping, ROYAL PUMPKIN was taken across behind runners. Approaching the turn at the 800 Metres, YOUNG LABEL, which was proving difficult to settle, got its head up on a number of occasions. At the 250 Metres, LAMBRO, which was closing the race off, was steadied when having difficulty obtaining clear running between GREEN SUPER and MR COOL which was giving ground. Over about the final 150 Metres, ROYAL PUMPKIN was not able to be ridden out when unable to obtain clear running behind MEGA HILL which was giving ground. Because of this, ROYAL PUMPKIN was not fully tested. Prior to the winning post, WINNING SPEED was steadied when crowded for room between NAMJONG HUNTER and MEGA HILL which when continuing to give ground shifted ground. After this, MEGA HILL became unbalanced when crowded for room between WINNING SPEED and FLYING SPRINTER. Throughout the race, MR COOL travelled wide and without cover. B Prebble (SPEEDY) explained the intention had been to have the horse in 5th or 6th position if possible and ensure it closed the race off strongly. He said SPEEDY, which was dropping back in distance today, began fairly, it soon became apparent to him that the pace of the race would be strong, he therefore elected to allow SPEEDY to become properly balanced and follow BRILLIANT CHAPTER, however, this was further back than anticipated. He said SPEEDY travelled comfortably in the run, commenced to make ground after straightening, however, had difficulty obtaining clear running passing the 300 Metres. He said SPEEDY continued to make ground after obtaining clear running near the 250 Metres, however, approaching the winning post SPEEDY improved close to the heels of CRAIG’S DRAGON and because of runners to the inside and outside of SPEEDY, he was again not able to obtain clear running. He said because of this he did not ride SPEEDY right out to the end of the race as he normally would. WINNING SPEED and YOUNG LABEL were sent for an official veterinary inspection. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that WINNING SPEED had bled from both nostrils. A veterinary inspection of YOUNG LABEL after the race did not show any significant findings. BRILLIANT CHAPTER and KUNG FU were sent for sampling.