29/10/2008  Shatin  Race 2

KING CREOLE was slow to begin. SUPER RED began awkwardly. From a wide barrier, in the early stages, DOUBLE FANTASY was taken across behind runners. At the 1100 Metres, FANTASTIC TIME was steadied to avoid the heels of MAINLAND MASTER which shifted ground while hanging in. At the 1000 Metres, KING CREOLE, which initially had drawn outside ALIVE AND KICKING and had been switched to the inside and ridden along to make up ground, was steadied to avoid the heels of ALIVE AND KICKING which was steadied to obtain a position behind FAST WINNER. No action was taken. Near the 800 Metres, DOUBLE FANTASY and FANTASTIC TIME were steadied away from the heels of BLUE SAINT which was endeavouring to obtain a position with cover. After this, FANTASTIC TIME, which had been left racing wide and without cover, was taken back. After the 600 Metres, FANTASTIC TIME was carried wider by TATTENHALL DELIGHT which was shifted out into clear running. After the 50 Metres, TELECOM EMPEROR, which was making some ground, was steadied away from the heels of PERFECT ATHLETE which shifted in after brushing with DOUBLE FANTASY. When questioned regarding the poor performance of MAINLAND MASTER, B Prebble explained in his opinion the horse trialed only fairly leading into tonight's race. He said after beginning well he rode MAINLAND MASTER along to obtain a forward position and the horse hung in in the early stages. He said he was able to cross and race outside FAST WINNER making the turn at the 700 Metres. He said MAINLAND MASTER travelled satisfactorily for a short distance, however, at the 500 Metres he became concerned with the action of the horse. He said the action of MAINLAND MASTER continued to deteriorate rounding the Home Turn and when placed under pressure in the Straight did not respond to his riding. He said over about the final 150 Metres when MAINLAND MASTER continued to give ground, he did not persevere in riding his mount out. He said on pulling up following the race MAINLAND MASTER made an abnormal breathing noise. MAINLAND MASTER was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of MAINLAND MASTER after the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, MAINLAND MASTER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. FAST WINNER was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of FAST WINNER after the race did not show any significant findings. KING CREOLE, TATTENHALL DELIGHT and BLUE SAINT were sent for sampling.