26/02/2014  Happy Valley  Race 6

PLAIN RED BANNER lost its left front plate on jumping. GOLDEN SCALPEL and TERRIFIC MASTER were slow to begin. From the outside barriers, HOLY MAC and BORN TO WIN were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. After travelling a short distance, PLAIN RED BANNER shifted out and bumped HEART WOOD. Passing the winning position on the first occasion, LITTLE RAINFOREST was steadied away from the heels of FULL OF FUN. Approaching the 1300 Metres, TERRIFIC MASTER was awkwardly placed inside the heels of BORN TO WIN when reluctant to maintain its position inside that horse. After the 1000 Metres, FULL OF FUN commenced to prove difficult to settle, got its head up and shifted out when awkwardly placed close to the heels of HEART WOOD. Near the 850 Metres, TWIN TURBO was taken into a position three wide without cover when LITTLE RAINFOREST shifted out to follow FULL OF FUN. During this incident and for a short distance afterwards, TWIN TURBO got its head up when proving difficult to settle. After the 400 Metres and rounding the Home Turn, HEART WOOD raced tight inside FULL OF FUN. For some distance after the 200 Metres, TERRIFIC MASTER, which was closing off the race fairly, was steadied when awkwardly placed on the heels of HEART WOOD which was shifting out slightly. Approaching the 150 Metres, FULL OF FUN shifted ground, carrying LITTLE RAINFOREST out and resulting in BORN TO WIN being steadied and taken wider. When questioned, T H So (RISING POWER) stated that after the 800 Metres he was left racing in a position one horse off the fence behind LITTLE RAINFOREST. He said as the rail was in the C+3 position tonight, he thought it was in the best interests of RISING POWER to shift in to race on the rail rather than remain racing behind LITTLE RAINFOREST. He added because of this HO WONGCHOY was then able to improve its position around RISING POWER and assume the two wide position. He said in hindsight he had erred in shifting to the rail at this time as HO WONGCHOY had consequently obtained a more favourable position. He said however at the relevant time he felt that to obtain a position on the rail would provide RISING POWER with the best opportunity to close off the race. T H So was advised his explanation would be reported. After the race, A Suborics (HOLY MAC) reported that his mount did not feel comfortable in its action after the 200 Metres. A veterinary inspection of HOLY MAC immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of PLAIN RED BANNER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FULL OF FUN, HO WONGCHOY and RISING POWER were sent for sampling.