10/10/2012  Happy Valley  Race 2

PILLOWIN was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, GLORY WIN was bumped by TOMODACHI which shifted out. Passing the 900 Metres, PILLOWIN was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SPICY SHRIMP (C K Tong) which shifted in when not quite clear. C K Tong was advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in future. Passing the 700 Metres, TOMODACHI proved very difficult to settle and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of CALL ME ACHIEVER for some distance. Then making the turn after the 600 Metres, TOMODACHI got its head up and shifted out towards the heels of GLORY WIN. Rounding the Home Turn, SPICY SHRIMP was awkwardly placed close to the heels of CALL ME ACHIEVER. SPICY SHRIMP then had difficulty obtaining clear running and near the 200 Metres was shifted to the inside of the heels of SECRET OF WINNING after being disappointed for running between that horse and CALL ME ACHIEVER. Passing the 100 Metres, KINGSTON ELITE, which was closing off the race, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of CHINA GOOD which got its head on the side and shifted out under pressure. Throughout the race, GLORY WIN travelled wide and without cover. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of W M Lai (KINGSTON ELITE) over the concluding stages did not affect the horse’s finishing position, he was nonetheless reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels to the end of the race where circumstances permit. When questioned, T Clark stated that he had been asked to ride HANNIBAL BARCA in about a midfield position with cover if possible from barrier 12. He said the horse had been ridden in a similar way in a barrier trial in the lead up to tonight’s race and it finished off the trial well when ridden in this manner. He said HANNIBAL BARCA jumped better than expected tonight, however, given the runners to his inside had in the past shown speed, he elected to steady his mount and allowed TOMODACHI to improve to his inside. He said he was able to obtain cover behind MR AWARD making the first turn, however, HANNIBAL BARCA did not finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of TOMODACHI after the race did not show any significant findings other than the horse had lost its left front plate. SECRET OF WINNING and CALL ME ACHIEVER were sent for sampling.