06/09/2017  Happy Valley  Race 2

PLAY IT began awkwardly. THE SYLPH began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped PO CHING TREASURE. From the outside barrier, CITY WINNER was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. After the 1300 Metres, FINE WITH ME was awkwardly placed inside the heels of MY BLESSING when being steadied to allow that horse to cross. After the 900 Metres, HAPPY ROCKY was shifted out and ridden along to improve its position and after this raced wide and without cover. Passing the 700 Metres, FINE WITH ME was momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of MY BLESSING. Approaching and passing the 400 Metres, THE SYLPH was reluctant to maintain its position when racing in restricted room between HAPPY ROCKY and FINE WITH ME which got its head on the side and lay out towards the heels of BO DUKE. Then rounding the Home Turn, THE SYLPH was steadied away from the heels of FINE WITH ME (U Rispoli) which shifted out when not quite clear. U Rispoli was advised to exercise more care when shifting ground in similar circumstances. Approaching the 150 Metres, HAPPY ROCKY raced tight between THE SYLPH and PLAY IT which shifted in. When questioned, Trainer K W Lui stated that he instructed U Rispoli to ensure that FINE WITH ME began well and it was anticipated that in a small field the horse would be able to obtain a position in about midfield. U Rispoli stated that after beginning well he commenced to shift across closer to the rail shortly after the start, however, when there were a number of horses positioned to his inside, he elected to continue forward of those horses in order to then take hold of FINE WITH ME and allow MY BLESSING to cross. He said this resulted in FINE WITH ME racing in a position further forward than generally has been the case. Mr Lui stated that due to the circumstances of tonight’s race FINE WITH ME assumed a more prominent position than he expected and it would be his intention for the horse to be ridden more conservatively in future which is in keeping with the manner in which it has been ridden with success in the past. PLAY IT, BO DUKE and THE SYLPH were sent for sampling.