21/11/2012  Happy Valley  Race 5

Shortly after the start, HONG KONG FAT raced tight between ABSOLUTE FANTASY and GOLDMEN Y Y which shifted out. From the outside barrier, BRILLIANT CHARIOT was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. In the early stages, despite being ridden along, both TOM’S EIGHTH and FORTUNE BRAVO failed to muster speed. Near the 1300 Metres, HECO RIDER was checked when crowded for room between GOLDMEN Y Y and CHARMGOLD (H W Lai) which, after shifting in of its own accord, was then carried in by HOME WITH GLORY (Y T Cheng) which shifted ground when not properly clear. Both H W Lai and Y T Cheng were reprimanded and advised to ensure that they leave sufficient racing room for runners to their inside in similar circumstances. After the 1200 Metres, CHARMGOLD commenced to over-race and got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of HOME WITH GLORY. Passing the 900 Metres, HECO RIDER was shifted out away from the heels of CHARMGOLD into tight running between that horse and FORTUNE BRAVO (A Suborics). A short distance later, HECO RIDER was checked when FORTUNE BRAVO shifted in slightly. HONG KONG FAT, which was following, was hampered in consequence. As the Stewards could not be comfortably satisfied that HECO RIDER had properly established running between CHARMGOLD and FORTUNE BRAVO and also having in mind the marginal ground that FORTUNE BRAVO shifted in at this time, it was decided that no further action should be taken other than to advise A Suborics to ensure that he exercises due care in similar circumstances. HECO RIDER blundered rounding the Home Turn. Passing the 250 Metres, HECO RIDER (B Prebble) shifted out to avail itself of a run which was developing between FORTUNE BRAVO and RIYADH A short distance later, HECO RIDER and FORTUNE BRAVO made contact when FORTUNE BRAVO was straightened by its rider. As a result of this, both HECO RIDER and FORTUNE BRAVO became unbalanced. B Prebble was reprimanded and advised that whilst, in the opinion of the Stewards, he was entitled to position HECO RIDER to take advantage of the run which was developing between RIYADH and FORTUNE BRAVO, nonetheless he must ensure that he rides his mounts in such a manner so as to prevent causing interference to other runners wherever possible. After the 200 Metres, HONG KONG FAT was shifted in away from the heels of GOLDMEN Y Y after being awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse. A short distance later, HONG KONG FAT was shifted out to obtain clear running when GOLDMEN Y Y shifted back in slightly. Near the 150 Metres, DOUBLE MOON was steadied when disappointed for running between TOM’S EIGHTH and FORTUNE BRAVO. For the majority of the race, RIYADH travelled wide and without cover. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that SNITZEL KID had lost its left front plate. A veterinary inspection of TOM’S EIGHTH and DOUBLE MOON after the race did not show any significant findings. HOME WITH GLORY and ABSOLUTE FANTASY were sent for sampling.