06/04/2011  Happy Valley  Race 8

BUSINESS AS USUAL was slow to begin. From the outside barrier, ROYAL KNIGHT was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Passing the 1300 Metres, BUSINESS AS USUAL was checked away from the heels of JIMSON THE BEST. After the 1200 Metres, JIMSON THE BEST proved very difficult to settle and got its head up repeatedly when being checked away from the heels of BOUNCER. Near the 900 Metres, BUSINESS AS USUAL was awkwardly placed close to the heels of JIMSON THE BEST. Near the 400 Metres, BOUNCER and SUMMER DASH bumped as BOUNCER attempted to shift out to obtain clear running. Throughout the race, IRON FIST travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the improved performance of MY GOAL, Mr Y O Wong stated that at its most recent start MY GOAL had been somewhat unlucky in the Straight in that it had experienced difficulty obtaining clear running. He said irrespective of this, he did not anticipate that MY GOAL would be able to improve its performance sufficiently to be a winning chance in tonight’s race. He said that he had not altered the work pattern of MY GOAL in the lead up to tonight’s race. He added, in his opinion, MY GOAL had benefited by being able to roll forward after the 700 Metres to establish the outright lead and that the horse had appreciated not having other horses around it at this time. Mr Wong was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, the Stewards stressed the need to have horses race as consistently as possible. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of WIN A DOZEN, Apprentice M L Yeung stated that he had been instructed to lead on WIN A DOZEN. He said after the 1100 Metres he attempted to steady the tempo of the race in order to give WIN A DOZEN the opportunity to close off the race. He said however that in hindsight he should have allowed WIN A DOZEN to continue to maintain the lead rather than allowing MY GOAL to gain a slight advantage over WIN A DOZEN. He added that WIN A DOZEN came under pressure to hold its position passing the 700 Metres and then in the Straight gave ground. A veterinary inspection of WIN A DOZEN after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of WIN A DOZEN was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, WIN A DOZEN will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. CITY POWER, MY GOAL and JIMSON THE BEST were sent for sampling.