20/06/2010  Happy Valley  Race 6

HOW WONDERFUL began awkwardly and lost a considerable amount of ground at the start. LOTUS LOVE and CLASSIC REUNION were crowded for room at the start between TREMENDOUS PLUS and SUPREME GOLD, both of which shifted ground. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, MASTER DRAGON was steadied when crowded for room between LUCKY EMPEROR and TREMENDOUS PLUS which shifted in. After the 900 Metres, CLASSIC REUNION was taken out to a three wide position without cover when CENTURY MOLLY shifted out. The performance of CLASSIC REUNION, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, CLASSIC REUNION will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Near the 550 Metres, HOW WONDERFUL was checked away from the heels of SUPER SURPRISE. Passing the 550 Metres, TELECOM GOGO was shifted out to improve its position, resulting in HO HO LIFE being taken wider. In the early part of the Straight, CENTURY MOLLY got its head on the side and hung in and near the 200 Metres shifted in and bumped TREMENDOUS PLUS. When questioned, M Du Plessis stated that it had been intended for LOTUS LOVE to be ridden in a forward position today as it had been wayward in a number of its recent races. He said it was hoped that by being positioned on the fence, this would assist LOTUS LOVE in racing more genuinely. He said it was further believed that with the step up in distance to the 1800 Metres in what was anticipated would not be a race run at an overly quick tempo that LOTUS LOVE may be able to obtain a forward position without too much use being made of it. He said he was obliged to ride LOTUS LOVE along in the early stages in order to ride to his instructions. He said when LOTUS LOVE was not mustering pace as quickly as he had hoped, he did look to obtain a position with cover behind runners in front, but as he believed that he would be left racing wide, he then committed to improving his position on LOTUS LOVE. He said he was able to position LOTUS LOVE on the fence after the 1200 Metres, however, he had been obliged to make more use of the horse than had been hoped and for this reason it was not able to finish off the race. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of HO HO LIFE, Y T Cheng stated that the horse’s best run in Hong Kong was at its most recent start when it ran third on a “Good to Yielding” track. He said that whilst HO HO LIFE travelled satisfactorily, he believed the horse’s disappointing performance could be attributed to it not appreciating today’s firm track conditions. A veterinary inspection of HO HO LIFE after the race did not show any significant findings. TELECOM GOGO and HOW WONDERFUL were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that CLASSIC REUNION had lost its right hind plate.