26/02/2014  Happy Valley  Race 1

MASTER GUNNER was slow to begin. OPTIMIZATION STAR began awkwardly and shortly after the start was steadied when crowded for room between HONG KONG FAT and NO TIES which shifted out. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, DANESOUTH failed to muster speed and approaching the winning post on the first occasion was taken across behind runners to obtain cover. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, IT CAN ONLY BE YOU was hampered when crowded for room inside NO TIES which got its head on the side and shifted in when awkwardly placed inside the heels of MARVEL PLUS. Approaching the 1300 Metres, IT CAN ONLY BE YOU became unbalanced when momentarily crowded for room inside NO TIES which again got its head on the side and shifted in marginally. After the 500 Metres, WINNING ADVANTAGE raced tight between NO TIES and GOOD TIMES ROLL which shifted in marginally when MARVEL PLUS improved to its outside. Approaching the 150 Metres, HONG KONG FAT was checked when crowded for room between DANESOUTH which shifted in marginally and GOOD TIMES ROLL which, after being bumped by WINNING ADVANTAGE (C Y Ho), shifted out considerably away from that horse. C Y Ho was severely reprimanded and advised that whilst GOOD TIMES ROLL had over-reacted to the contact with WINNING ADVANTAGE, nonetheless he should have made a far greater effort to straighten his mount sooner than he did on this occasion. In the Straight, MARVEL PLUS lay in under pressure. For the majority of the race, GOOD TIMES ROLL travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. A veterinary inspection of HONG KONG FAT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. BILLION GAINS, NO TIES and DANESOUTH were sent for sampling.