14/04/2013  Happy Valley  Race 10

On arrival at the barriers, the tongue tie carried by OUTDOOR PEGASUS was adjusted. As the start was effected, MIZANI lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, LEADING CITY became unbalanced after being crowded for room between FAMILISTS and CHATER WAY which shifted out. From a wide barrier, LITTLE DREAMS was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, HOT SHOT was slow to muster speed. When travelling three wide outside CHATER WAY after the 1300 Metres, BUSINESS AS USUAL was steadied and shifted in to a position one horse off the rail behind CHATER WAY near the 1200 Metres. Approaching and rounding the Home Turn, OUTDOOR PEGASUS was held up for clear running behind LEADING CITY. Rounding the Home Turn, FAMILISTS was checked after attempting to improve between OUTDOOR PEGASUS and CHATER WAY where there was insufficient room. After the 200 Metres, MIZANI was shifted to the inside of CHATER WAY to obtain clear running. When questioned, C W Wong stated that he had been asked to have JUN GONG in 3rd or 4th position if possible. He said passing the winning post on the first occasion it became apparent to him that he would not be able to shift in behind the leaders as there were a number of horses occupying that position, therefore passing the 1200 Metres he was left racing in a three wide position outside BEAUTY LEAD which was racing outside the leader, LEADING CITY. He said he did consider improving his position in an attempt to obtain a position closer to the rail due to the slow tempo, however, he formed the view that both LEADING CITY and BEAUTY LEAD would not give up their positions and this would result in use having to be made of JUN GONG and the horse, in all likelihood, would still have to race in a three wide position. He said therefore he elected to keep his horse balanced albeit it had to race three wide and without cover throughout the race. After the race, B Prebble reported that LEADING CITY travelled well until near the 500 Metres at which time the horse came under pressure. He said LEADING CITY was then disappointing in the manner in which it weakened in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of LEADING CITY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings other than the horse had lost its right front plate. A veterinary inspection of IT HAS TO BE YOU and BUSINESS AS USUAL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. MIZANI and OUTDOOR PEGASUS were sent for sampling.