03/02/2016  Happy Valley  Race 2

LEVEL PLAYER shifted out at the start and bumped CALIFORNIA CHERISH. From a wide barrier, LEVEL PLAYER was then shifted across behind runners. Also from the outside barrier, HOLMES LEGEND was shifted across behind runners shortly after the start. Shortly after the start, PENGLAI XIANZI got its head up when being steadied to obtain cover. Then for some distance approaching the winning post on the first occasion, PENGLAI XIANZI continued to get its head up when proving difficult to settle. Near the 1750 Metres, LIGHTNING PEGASUS was steadied when crowded for room between CLASSIC JEWELLERY and SMART UNION which shifted out. Passing the 1700 Metres, SMART UNION and CLASSIC JEWELLERY were hampered when crowded for room inside MISTER MARC (Apprentice H N Wong) which shifted in before being directed back out to relieve the tightening. LIGHTNING PEGASUS, which was following SMART UNION and endeavouring to improve inside that horse, was hampered in consequence. Apprentice Wong was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in future. From the 900 Metres, LEVEL PLAYER travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. Approaching the 650 Metres, SPEEDY WALLY got its head on the side and shifted in abruptly away from the heels of SMART UNION. Near the 450 Metres, PENGLAI XIANZI (Z Purton) was checked when endeavouring to improve between GOLD TALENT which was commencing to give ground and HOLMES LEGEND (D Whyte) which, after shifting in marginally, was then shifted out to resume its position following AGIAAL. As the Stewards could not be comfortably satisfied that PENGLAI XIANZI had fully established running between GOLD TALENT and HOLMES LEGEND, they took no further action other than to advise D Whyte to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Z Purton stated that that after this incident his mount was unbalanced in its action and did not feel comfortable and for this reason he eased it down in the Straight. In the early part of the Straight, SPEEDY WALLY raced with its head on the side. For the major part of the race, GOLD TALENT travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. The performances of PENGLAI XIANZI and GOLD TALENT, which finished tailed out, were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, PENGLAI XIANZI and GOLD TALENT will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of LIGHTNING PEGASUS, LEVEL PLAYER and PENGLAI XIANZI immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CALIFORNIA CHERISH and PO CHING TREASURE were sent for sampling.