10/01/2009  Shatin  Race 5

DREAM HORSE, Standby Declared Starter, was withdrawn on 8.1.09 on veterinary advice [lame right front leg (kicked wound)]. Before being allowed to race again, DREAM HORSE will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. As the start was effected, FLY HIGH commenced to rear and lean against the outside of its stall. As a consequence, FLY HIGH lost a considerable amount of ground at the start. TOP TOP LIGHT began awkwardly and got its head up. In the early stages, TAIJI SPIRIT hung in. Making the turn at the 700 Metres, OASIS DAVIS lost its position when awkwardly placed between HAPPY PROGRESSION and TOP TOP LIGHT. Also making the turn at the 700 Metres, PLAN B got its head up when close to the heels of THUNDER DANCING which was steadied away from the heels of SILENT DRAGON which after shifting to the fence shortly afterwards shifted back to a one off position. After this, THUNDER DANCING commenced to hang out. When questioned regarding the poor performance of TOP TOP LIGHT, C K Tong said in his opinion the horse, which was racing on a 6 day backup, raced "flat". He said TOP TOP LIGHT might also not have been suited by the manner in which the race was run which caused the field to become strung out. SUPER SNIPPETS was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. TOP TOP LIGHT was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of SUPER SNIPPETS and TOP TOP LIGHT after the race did not show any significant findings. THUNDER DANCING and GAUCHO were sent for sampling.