01/06/2016  Happy Valley  Race 8

VANILLA began awkwardly, shifted out at the start and bumped the hindquarters of LOTUS STRIKES BACK. After this, VANILLA was shifted across behind runners. From the outside barrier, LUCKY OMENS was shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover. After travelling a short distance, HEROIC GURU was awkwardly placed outside the heels of PO CHING TREASURE. At the 300 Metres, LITTLE ISLAND raced tight inside PO CHING TREASURE which got its head on the side and shifted in. LITTLE ISLAND then again raced tight inside PO CHING TREASURE approaching and passing the 200 Metres when improving into narrow running between that horse and CLASSIC EMPEROR. Passing the 100 Metres, C K Tong (SEMPITERNAL) dropped his right rein. Over the concluding stages, LITTLE ISLAND raced tight between PO CHING TREASURE and CLASSIC EMPEROR which shifted out marginally. In this incident, LITTLE ISLAND bumped the hindquarters of PO CHING TREASURE which became unbalanced. When questioned, Apprentice H N Wong (PO CHING TREASURE) stated that he had obtained a good trailing position behind CLASSIC EMPEROR in the early stages and he was content to maintain this position throughout the middle stages. He said however that making the turn after the 1100 Metres PO CHING TREASURE shifted out marginally away from the heels of CLASSIC EMPEROR which was being steadied after the race was run at a good tempo in the early stages. He said when PO CHING TREASURE shifted out near the 1000 Metres, he attempted to steady it in order to resume his position behind CLASSIC EMPEROR, however, at this time PO CHING TREASURE had advanced to be racing outside the heels of that horse. He said he also received a call from the rider of BISHOP’S LEAP which improved to be racing inside PO CHING TREASURE. He said because of this he was not able to shift in and PO CHING TREASURE was consequently required to race three wide and without cover for the remainder of the race. A veterinary inspection of FOODIE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LOTUS STRIKES BACK, HEROIC GURU and HAPPY SPIRIT were sent for sampling.