19/03/2014  Happy Valley  Race 1

FLYING KEEPER and YOUNG SUPREME were slow to begin. RAY OF GOLD was crowded for room on jumping between DIAMOND ANGEL which shifted out and PEACEFUL MISSION which shifted in slightly. From the outside barrier, CHINA GOOD was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 850 Metres, GRACYTOM and PEACEFUL MISSION momentarily raced tight inside LEELI'S STAR which shifted in before being shifted back out to relieve the tightening. Near the 550 Metres, YOUNG SUPREME got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of ENJOY THE FUN which was awkwardly placed close to the heels of MASSIVE. Approaching the 500 Metres, GRACYTOM was momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of LEELI'S STAR (J Moreira) which shifted in when not properly clear. J Moreira was advised to exercise more care when shifting ground. At the entrance to the Straight, GRACYTOM was again awkwardly placed close to the heels of LEELI'S STAR when being shifted to the outside of that horse into clear running. Approaching the 100 Metres, BOLERO momentarily raced in restricted room between MASSIVE and ENJOY THE FUN which shifted in. After this, ENJOY THE FUN was then directed out by its rider to relieve the tightening to BOLERO. When questioned, Trainer T K Ng stated that, as previously advised to the Stewards, it had been his intention for LEELI'S STAR to be ridden quietly in races over similar distances of tonight's race. He said however that since that time LEELI'S STAR barrier trialed on 7 March 2014 and in that trial was able to obtain a forward position which was not anticipated. He said LEELI'S STAR then, in his opinion, closed off the trial well and having this in mind he discussed how LEELI'S STAR should be ridden tonight with J Moreira, its rider. He said during these discussions it was felt that there was not a great deal of anticipated speed in the race and down in Class 5 it was believed that LEELI'S STAR, based on the strength of its recent trial, may be able to obtain a forward position without too much use having to be made of the horse. He added however that more use had to be made of LEELI'S STAR than had been hoped and because of that the horse was then not able to finish off its race. A veterinary inspection of PEACEFUL MISSION and GRACYTOM immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GRACYTOM, RAY OF GOLD and ENJOY THE FUN were sent for sampling.