23/01/2013  Happy Valley  Race 5

WIN ESPRIT, which was leaning on the outside of its stall, began awkwardly. TRAVEL GUIDE also began awkwardly. From wide barriers, both PRONOUNCED HONOUR and SURE CHAMP were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. For some distance approaching and passing the winning post on the first occasion, HEART OF GRACE proved very difficult to settle when being checked away from the heels of AMBITIOUS TREASURE. Then near the 1300 Metres, HEART OF GRACE shifted out, resulting in WIN ESPRIT being taken wider. After this, WIN ESPRIT travelled wide and without cover. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, TRAVEL GUIDE, which was proving difficult to settle, was steadied away from the heels of RECORD HIGH. Passing the 900 Metres, PLAIN RED BANNER was steadied away from the heels of HEART OF GRACE which, after initially shifting out when continuing to prove difficult to settle, shifted back in marginally. Passing the 600 Metres, PLAIN RED BANNER was crowded for room between RECORD HIGH which got its head on the side and shifted out and WIN ESPRIT which shifted in slightly. Approaching the 100 Metres, TRAVEL GUIDE (Z Purton) was shifted to the outside of the heels of RECORD HIGH (D Whyte) when disappointed for running inside that horse. As TRAVEL GUIDE was attempting to improve to the outside of RECORD HIGH, that horse also shifted out, resulting in TRAVEL GUIDE being taken out and causing COMMON GOAL to be steadied when crowded for room inside COOL BEAN. In the circumstances, both Z Purton and D Whyte were advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Over the concluding stages, TRAVEL GUIDE raced tight inside COOL BEAN which shifted in. Because of this, TRAVEL GUIDE was not able to be ridden out. An inquiry into the reason for PLAIN RED BANNER being hampered near the 500 Metres was adjourned until prior to the Sha Tin racemeeting to be conducted on Sunday, 27 January 2013. A veterinary inspection of COMMON GOAL after the race did not show any significant findings. SURE CHAMP, FORTUNE BRAVO and EASY AHEAD were sent for sampling.