05/10/2017  Happy Valley  Race 1

GOLD VELVET began awkwardly. DON WONGCHOY began only fairly and then, despite being ridden along in the early stages, failed to muster speed. From a wide barrier, NOTED PERFORMER was shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover. Also from the outside barrier, VICTORY FOLLOW ME was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners, however, throughout the race travelled wide and without cover. Passing the 1500 Metres, INVISIBLE raced in restricted room between DOUBLE POINT and GOLD TALENT when being steadied to obtain a trailing position behind DOUBLE POINT. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, DOUBLE POINT was steadied to avoid the heels of DUTCH WINDMILL (J Moreira) which shifted in when not properly clear. J Moreira was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he gives proper clearance when shifting ground. Passing the 1400 Metres, DON WONGCHOY got its head up when travelling keenly and awkwardly placed behind GOLD TALENT. Near the 550 Metres, DUTCH WINDMILL raced tight between VICTORY FOLLOW ME and FRUITFUL LIFE which attempted to shift out from behind FAITHFUL BOY. In this incident, DUTCH WINDMILL bumped VICTORY FOLLOW ME which became unbalanced. When FRUITFUL LIFE was unable to shift to the outside of FAITHFUL BOY, DOUBLE POINT, which was following FRUITFUL LIFE, became awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse in consequence. Approaching the 400 Metres, INVISIBLE and FRUITFUL LIFE raced tight. At the entrance to the Straight, DUTCH WINDMILL was crowded for room between VICTORY FOLLOW ME and FAITHFUL BOY which, when under pressure, shifted out away from CHOICE EXCHEQUER after initially being taken out by that horse which made the Home Turn awkwardly. In this incident, VICTORY FOLLOW ME became unbalanced after being bumped by DUTCH WINDMILL and shifted in, resulting in DUTCH WINDMILL being further crowded for room and shifting in, causing FAITHFUL BOY to be steadied when taken in close to the heels of CHOICE EXCHEQUER. PLANET GIANT, which was following CHOICE EXCHEQUER, was also awkwardly placed behind that horse and passing the 300 Metres was shifted to the inside of CHOICE EXCHEQUER to obtain clear running. Approaching the 200 Metres, GOLD VELVET was shifted out away from the heels of FAITHFUL BOY to continue improving. Near the 75 Metres, FRUITFUL LIFE was awkwardly placed inside the heels of DOUBLE POINT which shifted in under pressure. A veterinary inspection of DON WONGCHOY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. VICTORY FOLLOW ME, DUTCH WINDMILL and DOUBLE POINT were sent for sampling.