08/02/2012  Happy Valley  Race 3

MASTER RACER was slow to begin. From wide barriers, SHANGHAI PIONEER and PAR EXCELLENCE were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Making the first turn near the 1000 Metres, LAGO EXPRESS got its head on the side and shifted in despite the efforts of its rider, resulting in LONGWAH KID, FORTUNE TOGETHER (D Whyte) and GLORY WIN all being crowded for room. Then near the 1000 Metres, LAGO EXPRESS was steadied when racing wide and shifted across behind LONGWAH KID. When being steadied, LAGO EXPRESS made contact with ALL FRIENDS. D Whyte explained that it had been intended for FORTUNE TOGETHER to be ridden in a position behind the favourite, GLORY WIN if possible, however, when PERFECT JOY was ridden along vigorously to maintain its position to his inside, FORTUNE TOGETHER commenced to over-race and proved difficult to restrain. He said after being crowded for room making the first turn FORTUNE TOGETHER then commenced to over-race and consequently raced in a more forward position than had been intended. Also near the 1000 Metres, MASTER RACER and PAR EXCELLENCE raced tight. At the 800 Metres, LONGWAH KID got its head on the side and shifted out towards the heels of URBAN DANCER. After this, LONGWAH KID continued to lay out. Over the final 100 Metres, MASTER RACER was not able to obtain clear running and for this reason was not fully tested. Throughout the race, ALL FRIENDS travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the improved performance of PERFECT JOY, Trainer C H Yip stated that after the horse had disappointed him since joining his stable, he trialed the horse in blinkers prior to its last start on 1 January 2012. He said whilst the horse had trailed satisfactorily in this gear, he was not convinced that it was necessary to resort to the use of blinkers at its most recent start. He said however that PERFECT JOY’s recent work in blinkers had improved markedly and for this reason it was decided to reapply blinkers to the horse’s gear tonight. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of GLORY WIN, N Callan stated that the horse, which was having its first start at Happy Valley tonight, was able to obtain a good position throughout the race after being tardy to begin. He said GLORY WIN travelled well until about the 500 Metres, however, it did not quicken at this time as he thought it would. He said he placed the horse under pressure in the Straight and it finished off the race only one-paced. A veterinary inspection of GLORY WIN and MASTER RACER after the race did not show any significant findings. GLORY WIN, PERFECT JOY and FORTUNE TOGETHER were sent for sampling.