08/05/2013  Happy Valley  Race 7

NAVEL ORANGE began only fairly and shortly after the start was bumped by BEST SHOW which shifted in. Shortly after the start, FORGIVE AND FORGET became unbalanced when crowded for room between JOLLY VICTOR and LUCKY FOREVER which got its head on the side and shifted in. From the outside barrier, KING OF PATCH was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, INDIGO WAY shifted in, resulting in CHATER DREAM being taken in and making contact with ALBICELESTE. Passing the 1300 Metres, FORGIVE AND FORGET became unbalanced when crowded for room inside JOLLY VICTOR which got its head on the side and shifted in away from TURBO JEWELLERY. After the 1200 Metres, TURBO JEWELLERY was left racing wide and without cover and after the 1000 Metres was allowed to stride forward to race outside the leader. After the 700 Metres, CHATER DREAM was left racing wide and without cover. After the 300 Metres, FORGIVE AND FORGET was shifted out away from the heels of CHATER DREAM to obtain clear running. Passing the 50 Metres, TURBO JEWELLERY was shifted in away from the heels of SHINY DAY. When questioned, H W Lai stated that he was asked to ride INDIGO WAY positively in the early stages from barrier 11 and obtain a position behind the leaders with cover if possible. He said it was felt that horses racing on the speed were advantaged on tonight’s track and that were INDIGO WAY to be taken across behind runners towards the rear, then it would have too much work to do. He said accordingly he rode his mount along in the early stages to obtain a position as instructed, however, passing the winning post on the first occasion INDIGO WAY was left racing in a three wide position without cover. He said rather than remain racing wide, he allowed his mount to improve its position approaching the 1200 Metres to eventually race outside the lead passing the 1200 Metres. After the race, K C Leung (LUCKY FOREVER) stated that after obtaining a position with cover behind INDIGO WAY passing the winning post on the first occasion, the horse travelled comfortably. He said approaching the 500 Metres he shifted LUCKY FOREVER to the outside of INDIGO WAY which was commencing to give ground, however, LUCKY FOREVER immediately came under pressure and then was disappointing in its failure to respond to his riding in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of FORGIVE AND FORGET immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. JOLLY VICTOR, BEST SHOW and SHINY DAY were sent for sampling.