27/09/2023  Happy Valley  Race 4

SUNNY STAR jumped awkwardly. Shortly after the start, NATURAL STORM shifted in and bumped PEGASUS GENERAL. When the pace steadied near the 1400 Metres, PERFECT TEAM commenced to race keenly and as a result was shifted to the outside of BEAUTYVERSE to start a forward move, resulting in SUNNY STAR being taken wider. When being shifted to the outside of BEAUTYVERSE, BEAUTYVERSE also commenced to race keenly and was then checked away from PEGASUS GENERAL and shifted out, resulting in PERFECT TEAM and SUNNY STAR being taken wider near the 1300 Metres. Approaching the 250 Metres, TURIN MASCOT became held up for clear running between PERFECT TEAM and SUNNY STAR and did not obtain clear running until near the 100 Metres where it improved into a narrow run to the inside of SUNNY STAR. As a result, TURIN MASCOT made contact with PERFECT TEAM close to the finishing line. When questioned regarding the tactics adopted on MAJESTIC VICTORY in the early stages, Apprentice Y L Chung stated that with the perceived lack of early pace in the event, he was instructed to lead on his mount. He said after holding the lead in the early stages, MAJESTIC VICTORY, which is not a noted leader, dropped the bit and as a result the tempo of the event eased. He added that he was reluctant to encourage his mount to hold a stronger pace as MAJESTIC VICTORY was travelling comfortably. He said when PERFECT TEAM improved to his outside, he was content to allow that horse to cross MAJESTIC VICTORY whereby he was able to obtain cover. After the race, B Avdulla (BEAUTYVERSE) reported that his mount was not suited by the slow early pace of the event which resulted in his mount having to make a forward move in the early stages. He said as a result of this move and BEAUTYVERSE racing first up tonight, the horse was not able to finish the race off strongly. A veterinary inspection of BEAUTYVERSE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Also after the race, L Hewitson (S J TOURBILLON) could offer no explanation for his mount’s disappointing performance. A veterinary inspection of S J TOURBILLON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. TURIN MASCOT, MAJESTIC VICTORY and SUNNY STAR were sent for sampling.