12/07/2017  Happy Valley  Race 6

DOLLAR REWARD began only fairly and shortly after the start was crowded for room between FLYING QUEST and JOLLY CONVERGENCE which was taken out by GENERAL IRON which began awkwardly. From wide barriers, HERO LOOK and LANG TAI SING were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. Approaching the 1100 Metres, I’M A WITNESS got its head on the side and shifted out. Passing the 900 Metres, GENERAL IRON got its head up when travelling keenly and awkwardly placed close to the heels of GRACE HEART. Also passing the 900 Metres, I’M A WITNESS and DIAMOND MASTER bumped. At the entrance to the Straight, JOLLY CONVERGENCE was bumped by I’M A WITNESS which was momentarily steadied away from the heels of FLYING QUEST which shifted out to obtain clear running. Passing the 200 Metres, DOLLAR REWARD got its head on the side and shifted out and was momentarily awkwardly placed inside the heels of GRACE HEART. Near the 75 Metres, DOLLAR REWARD raced tight inside GRACE HEART. Passing the winning post, DIAMOND MASTER became badly unbalanced and shifted out across the heels of EXTREMELY FUN. Throughout the race, I’M A WITNESS travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of JOLLY CONVERGENCE, N Callan stated that after beginning well, his mount did not show as much early speed as he anticipated despite being hard ridden. He said JOLLY CONVERGENCE was left racing in a three wide position with cover after being unable to cross GENERAL IRON to its inside and the horse travelled only fairly in the middle stages. He added rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight JOLLY CONVERGENCE did not quicken as it had when ridden by him in the past and then did not finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of JOLLY CONVERGENCE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of BOND ELEGANCE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. JOLLY CONVERGENCE, FLYING QUEST and GREEN CARD were sent for sampling.