12/02/2014  Happy Valley  Race 3

JOYFUL MISSION was slow to begin. PEARL WIN and KING DERBY bumped at the start. Approaching the 1100 Metres, TOMODACHI shifted out and bumped YO-YO DA. After the 1100 Metres, PROSPERITY AETHON was awkwardly placed close to the heels of PEARL WIN. Approaching the 1000 Metres, PROSPERITY AETHON and KING DERBY bumped. After the 1000 Metres, FRESH AIR commenced to prove difficult to settle and got its head up when being checked away from the heels of HINYUEN PALADIN. After the 900 Metres, CREATIVE UNION commenced to over-race badly and got its head up on a number of occasions when being checked away from the heels of KING DERBY. Then near the 800 Metres, CREATIVE UNION shifted out away from the heels of KING DERBY and consequently travelled wide and without cover. Rounding the Home Turn, PROSPERITY AETHON became unbalanced. At the 300 Metres, FRESH AIR and LUCKY DAY raced tight. At the 200 Metres, CREATIVE UNION, which was giving ground, was checked when crowded for room between KING DERBY and FRIENDS OF YAN OI, both of which shifted ground. For the majority of the race, PEARL WIN travelled wide and without cover. Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of A Suborics (YO-YO DA), 5th placegetter, 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, M Demuro stated that as FRIENDS OF YAN OI, which was up to Class 4 tonight, was drawn awkwardly in barrier 8 and with an anticipated good tempo with horses such as TOMODACHI and HINYUEN PALADIN being engaged, he had been asked to ride FRIENDS OF YAN OI in about a midfield position if possible. He said FRIENDS OF YAN OI began only fairly and shortly after the start lost ground when steadied away from the heels of YO-YO DA which shifted in. He said after this occurred, he believed to obtain a midfield position would result in FRIENDS OF YAN OI racing very wide, therefore he elected to shift his mount across behind runners and obtain a position closer to the rail but further back in the field than had been intended. He added when ridden in this manner FRIENDS OF YAN OI closed off strongly. A veterinary inspection of CREATIVE UNION immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. PEARL WIN, LUCKY DAY and TOMODACHI were sent for sampling.