26/05/2021  Happy Valley  Race 8

DELIGHTFUL LAOS was slow to begin. From wide barriers, LOBO’S LEGEND and ENJOYING were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Approaching the 1300 Metres, FLYING QUEST raced tight inside HOLY HEART which was taken in by SOLAR WAI WAI which shifted ground when awkwardly placed close to the heels of SHINING GEM. Passing the 1300 Metres, GREEN LUCK was momentarily crowded for room inside CONQUEROR which shifted in away from the heels of TSAR. For some distance approaching the 400 Metres, SAVAQUIN was awkwardly placed behind FLYING QUEST. At the entrance to the Straight, HOLY HEART was shifted in away from the heels of CONQUEROR to obtain clear running. Throughout the race, SHINING GEM travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, K C Leung stated that he was instructed to give SOLAR WAI WAI a good warm up behind the Start and then to ride his mount positively in the early stages to take up a forward position. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode his mount along for some distance in the early stages, however, SOLAR WAI WAI did not show as much early speed as he anticipated and he was not able to improve his position forward of SHINING GEM which was showing more early speed than SOLAR WAI WAI. He said after continuing to ride his mount along until about the 1500 Metres, he then steadied SOLAR WAI WAI to obtain a position with cover rather than continuing to ride it along as he was of the opinion that SOLAR WAI WAI would not be able to show sufficient early speed to clear SHINING GEM and therefore would be required to race wide and without cover. He added passing the winning post on the first occasion he was able to obtain a three wide position but with cover behind SHINING GEM and further back in the field than had been intended. A veterinary inspection of SOLAR WAI WAI immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of DELIGHTFUL LAOS and MAGNIFICENT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. TSAR, GREEN LUCK and SAVAQUIN were sent for sampling.