06/09/2017  Happy Valley  Race 5

FISH N’ CHIPS shifted in at the start and bumped OUR HERO which in turn shifted in and bumped the hindquarters of FOREVER FUN. From wide barriers, STARLIGHT and FORMULA GALORE were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. For some distance approaching the 800 Metres, OUR HERO was checked away from the heels of LONDON MASTER. Approaching the 800 Metres, FORMULA GALORE commenced to travel keenly and got its head up when being checked away from the heels of FOREVER FUN which throughout the race travelled wide and without cover. FOX SUNTER got its head on the side and lay out rounding the Home Turn. LONDON MASTER was awkwardly placed close to the heels of FOREVER FUN in the early part of the Straight and near the 250 Metres was shifted to the inside of that horse in an endeavour to improve into tight running between FOREVER FUN and OUR HERO. In this incident, LONDON MASTER and OUR HERO bumped, causing both horses to become unbalanced and LONDON MASTER to be steadied when disappointed for running between FOREVER FUN and OUR HERO. When questioned, M L Yeung stated that he had been asked to take up a forward position on FISH N’ CHIPS but not necessarily to lead. He said after riding his mount along in the early stages to cross runners to his inside, he was able to obtain the lead after the 1000 Metres but was immediately pressured by PHANTOM FALCON which improved to his outside. He said PHANTOM FALCON continued to race on terms with FISH N’ CHIPS and as his mount has previously been shown to be suspect at 1200 Metres on turf, he elected to allow PHANTOM FALCON to cross rather than continue to attempt to hold that horse out. He said he felt that this would provide FISH N’ CHIPS with the best opportunity to finish off the race. He added after being crossed by PHANTOM FALCON after the 500 Metres, FISH N’ CHIPS settled well and after giving a limited response in the early part of the Straight then weakened over the latter stages of the race. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that FOX SUNTER had bled from both nostrils. FOX SUNTER and PHANTOM FALCON were sent for sampling.