09/06/2016  Happy Valley  Race 1

SOCCER BRAVE was slow to begin. SKY KING began only fairly. OCTAL LUCK shifted in marginally at the start, resulting in MR KOOL being taken in onto HAYMAKER which became badly unbalanced and in turn bumped THE GREATEST which also became unbalanced. From the outside barriers, PEACE ON EARTH and MY BLESSING were shifted across behind runners shortly after the start. Making the turn near the 1000 Metres, THE GREATEST got its head on the side and shifted out, resulting in MR KOOL being hampered when crowded for room inside MY BLESSING. Near the 900 Metres, HAYMAKER was awkwardly placed close to the heels of LUCKY SEVEN which was steadied to obtain cover behind OCTAL LUCK. TANGO FIRE, which was following HAYMAKER, was awkwardly placed behind that horse in consequence. Rounding the Home Turn and at the entrance to the Straight, LUCKY SEVEN raced tight outside WINNING KING and was bumped by that horse which shifted out to obtain clear running. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of GLOBE TROTTER, Apprentice H N Wong stated that his mount was more relaxed prior to today's race than it was at its most recent start. He said although he had to make some use of the horse in the early stages to lead, he felt that he had to make more use of it last start when it was successful. He added GLOBE TROTTER travelled satisfactorily in the early and middle stages and, after being placed under pressure rounding the Home Turn, gave him a limited response in the early part of the Straight, however, came under pressure after the 200 Metres and then was disappointing in the manner in which it weakened over the concluding stages. A veterinary inspection of GLOBE TROTTER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GLOBE TROTTER, SKY KING and WINNING KING were sent for sampling.