16/01/2013  Happy Valley  Race 2

HIGHEST ACCLAIM began only fairly and shortly after the start raced tight between FLASHING GUY and STAR OF FAME, both of which shifted ground. From wide barriers, SILVER DRAGON and IMPECCABLE were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Passing the 1100 Metres, FLYING ELITE was steadied away from the heels of NO TIES (H W Lai) which shifted in when not properly clear. H W Lai was reprimanded and advised to exercise more care when shifting ground in future. Shortly after this, SILVER DRAGON lost ground when crowded for room between IMPECCABLE and FLYING ELITE, both of which shifted ground. Approaching the 600 Metres, NO TIES was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SIGHT LOVER. In the early part of the Straight, NO TIES got its head on the side and shifted in. At the 200 Metres, STAR OF FAME was shifted to the outside of FLASHING GUY to continue improving. Passing the 200 Metres, SPICY SHRIMP was hampered when crowded for room between NO TIES and HIGHEST ACCLAIM (B Prebble) which shifted out. SIGHT LOVER and FLYING ELITE, which were following, were hampered in consequence. B Prebble was severely reprimanded and advised to exercise due care when shifting ground in future. In this incident, SPICY SHRIMP bumped the hindquarters of NO TIES which became unbalanced. Near the 100 Metres, RISING POWER was momentarily steadied when disappointed for running between FLASHING GUY and STAR OF FAME which shifted in. Over the concluding stages, RISING POWER was awkwardly placed outside the heels of STAR OF FAME. Throughout the race, SPICY SHRIMP travelled wide and without cover and after the 500 Metres got its head on the side and lay out. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SIGHT LOVER, D Whyte stated that from barrier 9, he was able to obtain a forward position by following SEA FURY across in the early stages. He said whilst SIGHT LOVER came on and off the bridle on a number of occasions in the early stages, the horse, after obtaining a position one out one back behind SEA FURY, then travelled well in the middle stages. He said he shifted SIGHT LOVER, which was having its first start at Happy Valley, to the outside of SEA FURY near the 500 Metres when that horse commenced to give ground, however, SIGHT LOVER immediately came under pressure and in the Straight gave ground despite being ridden along. He said although the horse was steadied away from heels near the 200 Metres, it was beaten at this time. He added although SIGHT LOVER was having its first start in a race at Happy Valley tonight, the horse had had the experience of a barrier trial here previously and, in his opinion, he did not put forward racing at Happy Valley as a reason for the horse’s disappointing performance. A veterinary inspection of SIGHT LOVER after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of SERENDIPITY after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of FLYING ELITE after the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped. SIGHT LOVER, HIGHEST ACCLAIM and NO TIES were sent for sampling.