09/05/2018  Happy Valley  Race 3

NEVER BETTER was withdrawn on 8.5.18 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter PO CHING TREASURE (C Y Ho). Before being allowed to race again, NEVER BETTER will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. KING BOUNTIFUL was slow to begin. ULTIMATE DREAM was steadied shortly after the start to obtain cover. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, PO CHING TREASURE failed to muster speed. After the 1400 Metres, MIDNITE PROMISE was left racing wide and without cover. Passing the 850 Metres, SAVANNAH WIND got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of ROMANTIC JOURNEY. Approaching the 600 Metres, PO CHING TREASURE (C Y Ho) shifted in abruptly when improving forward of MIDNITE PROMISE, resulting in MIDNITE PROMISE being checked when bumped and crowded for room between ROMANTIC JOURNEY and PO CHING TREASURE. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that C Y Ho had reacted in a timely manner to PO CHING TREASURE shifting in suddenly and had made endeavours to direct PO CHING TREASURE out to relieve the tightening to MIDNITE PROMISE, nonetheless he was advised to exercise more care when riding his mounts along so as to be aware of any ground that they may shift. Passing the 600 Metres, POLYMER LUCK raced tight between ROMANTIC JOURNEY and MY BLESSING which attempted to shift out. Passing the 500 Metres, SAVANNAH WIND was steadied and shifted out away from the heels of ROMANTIC JOURNEY which was giving ground abruptly. ROMANTIC JOURNEY then finished tailed out. The performance of ROMANTIC JOURNEY was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, ROMANTIC JOURNEY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. KING BOUNTIFUL, which was following SAVANNAH WIND, was shifted out away from the heels of that horse in consequence. Approaching the 400 Metres, as SAVANNAH WIND improved between ROMANTIC JOURNEY and MIDNITE PROMISE, ROMANTIC JOURNEY, which was continuing to give ground, shifted out away from ULTIMATE DREAM, resulting in SAVANNAH WIND being crowded for room. Near the 150 Metres, SAVANNAH WIND and MIDNITE PROMISE bumped. A veterinary inspection of MIDNITE PROMISE, POLYMER LUCK and SAVANNAH WIND immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. YOU HAVE MY WORD and SMART BABY were sent for sampling.