13/01/2021  Happy Valley  Race 9

SUNSHINE SUPREME shifted out and made contact with MIG ENERGY at the start and then lost ground when momentarily tightened for room between MIG ENERGY and GOOD BEAUTY. Soon after the start, SCORES OF FUN was crowded for room between THE RUNNER which shifted out slightly and FLYING BONUS which shifted in after beginning awkwardly. This resulted in SCORES OF FUN settling back in the field. HAPPY ALUMNI got its head up and raced ungenerously rounding the turn near the 1000 Metres. Making the turn after the 1000 Metres, THE RUNNER commenced to race ungenerously, got its head up and shifted out abruptly, hampering MOMENTUM GALAXY and forcing HINCHINLOVE and SHOUSON wider. For some distance rounding the Home Turn, SUNSHINE SUPREME was awkwardly placed behind MIG ENERGY. SUNSHINE SUPREME was then held up for clear running from on straightening until near the 200 Metres where it improved into tight running between SHOUSON and MOMENTUM GALAXY. After passing the 200 Metres, SUNSHINE SUPREME was momentarily crowded for room between SHOUSON and MOMENTUM GALAXY which lay in. As a result of contact with SUNSHINE SUPREME, MOMENTUM GALAXY then shifted out, made contact with SCORES OF FUN and consequently became unbalanced. After being tested for a short distance, SUNSHINE SUPREME was again held up over the final 100 Metres and was unable to be tested. Passing the 50 Metres, MOMENTUM GALAXY was steadied away from the heels of SCORES OF FUN (A Badel) which shifted in. A Badel was reprimanded and told to ensure that he makes more of an effort to keep his mounts straight. Throughout the race, HINCHINLOVE and SHOUSON travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, J Moreira stated that CAPITAL STAR, which was having its first race start in Hong Kong tonight, was reluctant to hold its position inside HAPPY ALUMNI along the Back Straight which resulted in HAPPY ALUMNI assuming the position in front of CAPITAL STAR after the 800 Metres. He said for some distance after the 600 Metres he rode CAPITAL STAR along to maintain its position behind HAPPY ALUMNI, however, the horse was very hesitant when racing inside other runners and consequently lost ground. He said immediately upon straightening he was able to place CAPITAL STAR under pressure and the horse closed off the race well. He added due to the horse’s relative inexperience, it was not able to maintain its prominent position through the middle stages of the race due to its reluctance to race inside other horses. A veterinary inspection of SHOUSON and MOMENTUM GALAXY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. THE RUNNER, HAPPY ALUMNI, SCORES OF FUN and CAPITAL STAR were sent for sampling.