22/02/2012  Happy Valley  Race 5

WAYFOONG GOVERNOR (T Clark) and IMPECCABLE bumped at the start. T Clark reported that his saddle shifted back in the early stages. Shortly after the start, STAR OF FAME, which was being steadied to shift across behind runners, was crowded for room between DARK SECRET and GOOD SMILE. Also shortly after the start, WINSOME was steadied away from the heels of IMPECCABLE which shifted out. After the 900 Metres, MASTER RACER proved difficult to settle and bumped DARK SECRET on a number of occasions. At the 600 Metres, DARK SECRET became unbalanced after shifting in and making contact with the hindquarters of WAYFOONG GOVERNOR. MASTER RACER, which was following, shifted out abruptly and lost ground when steadied away from the heels of DARK SECRET in consequence. Rounding the Home Turn, TEAM WORK was awkwardly placed close to the heels of IMPECCABLE whilst STAR OF FAME was awkwardly placed close to the heels of WAYFOONG GOVERNOR. Shortly after entering the Straight, WAYFOONG GOVERNOR and LIFE OF BEAUTY bumped on two occasions as a result of WAYFOONG GOVERNOR shifting out to obtain clear running. T Clark was warned against the practice of extending his elbow away from his body when racing tight amongst other runners. Passing the 300 Metres, TITANIUM ALLOY, which was commencing to give ground, was steadied away from the heels of IMPECCABLE (G Mossé) which shifted out. G Mossé was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances. For some distance approaching and passing the 200 Metres, WINSOME was held up for clear running when unable to improve between TEAM WORK and STAR OF FAME. Then near the 150 Metres, WINSOME was steadied when disappointed for running between STAR OF FAME and TEAM WORK which shifted out from behind OCEAN WIDE to continue improving. Near the 50 Metres, STAR OF FAME was steadied when held up for clear running behind SURFER BOY and inside IMPECCABLE. Because of this, STAR OF FAME was not properly tested over the concluding stages. Throughout the race, LIFE OF BEAUTY and GOOD SMILE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, Z Purton stated that he had been instructed to obtain a midfield position with cover on SURFER BOY if possible. He said however that if the horse did not begin well, he should take SURFER BOY across behind runners and obtain a position close to the rail. He said SURFER BOY began well and he initially rode the horse along so as to clear LIFE OF BEAUTY to its inside. He said after clearing that horse shortly after the start, he steadied SURFER BOY with a view to obtaining a position with cover if possible. He said however that at this time there were a number of horses to his inside and he did not believe that it would be possible to obtain a position with cover given the makeup of the field at that time. He said for this reason he elected to allow SURFER BOY to improve its position to race outside the leader, OCEAN WIDE near the 700 Metres. Trainer C H Yip confirmed the instructions given to Z Purton. IMPECCABLE and SURFER BOY were sent for sampling.