23/12/2020  Happy Valley  Race 2

GLORIOUS LOVER was slow to begin. From a wide barrier, METHANE was shifted across behind runners soon after jumping. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, when being steadied to allow ALL BEST FRIENDS to cross, RED MAJESTY got its head up and raced keenly for a short distance. KIRAM raced wide and without cover from passing the winning post on the first occasion until near the 500 Metres. At the 1400 Metres, GLORIOUS LOVER brushed the running rail when racing tight inside SPEED TO EXCEED which raced tight inside SUPERBELLA which shifted in slightly when awkwardly placed close to the heels of KIRAM. Also at the 1400 Metres, METHANE was hampered when momentarily tightened for room inside PAKISTAN FRIEND which raced tight inside HAPPY ICHIBAN. When PAKISTAN FRIEND shifted out to relieve the tightening to METHANE, it made contact with the hindquarters of HAPPY ICHIBAN which became unbalanced. After the race, Apprentice C L Chau reported that in accordance with his instructions he rode PAKISTAN FRIEND along in an endeavour to take up a forward position, however, the horse did not show any early speed which required him to shift across behind runners to obtain cover to avoid racing wide and without cover. He said as a consequence PAKISTAN FRIEND raced much further back in the field than was intended. When questioned, A Badel stated that he was instructed to ride RUN THE TABLE positively in the early stages and take up a forward position and then hopefully be able to obtain cover which would assist the horse’s winning chances. He said however that after being left racing outside ALL BEST FRIENDS without cover approaching the 1300 Metres, RUN THE TABLE commenced to race keenly and would not settle. He said RUN THE TABLE continued to race keenly throughout the middle stages and would not relax and as a consequence failed to finish off the race and was disappointing. He added after the race he suggested to connections that they consider dropping the horse back in distance as it may be better suited with a stronger tempo. A veterinary inspection of RUN THE TABLE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of RUN THE TABLE, a last start winner and a favoured runner in tonight’s event, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, RUN THE TABLE will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. INCANTO PREPARED and MORE THAN ENOUGH were sent for sampling.