19/05/2010  Happy Valley  Race 5

KARBRIDGE began awkwardly. TOP DRAGON was slow to begin. After the 1000 Metres, TOP DRAGON was steadied when crowded for room between SUCCESSFUL ERA and TREASURE RAIDERS which got its head on the side and hung out. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, WIN MORE failed to muster speed and raced well back. Near the 600 Metres, THINK BIG was steadied away from the heels of PAPAS (C K Tong) which shifted in when not properly clear. When THINK BIG was steadied away from the heels of PAPAS, it shifted in, resulting in SUCCESSFUL ERA racing tight inside THINK BIG for some distance. Passing the 600 Metres, PAPAS continued to shift in and bumped FLOREAT DAYS which in turn was taken in onto KARBRIDGE, resulting in both those horses becoming unbalanced. C K Tong was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground and that he leaves sufficient racing room for runners to his inside in future. Rounding the Home Turn, SUCCESSFUL ERA was held up for clear running and at the entrance to the Straight was shifted out across the heels of PAPAS into clear running. Also rounding the Home Turn, SOLAR BOY was steadied away from the heels of FLOREAT DAYS. Throughout the race, PAPAS travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of TOP DRAGON, C W Wong stated that his mount was not comfortable at any stage on the “Yielding” track surface. He said he was obliged to ride TOP DRAGON along throughout the race to have it travel on the bit, however, the horse did not travel with him at any stage. A veterinary inspection of TOP DRAGON after the race did not show any significant findings. KARBRIDGE, DAILY DOUBLE and PAPAS were sent for sampling.