12/01/2022  Happy Valley  Race 7

SMART IDEA, which was restless in the stalls, began only fairly. ISLAND SHINE and SINGAPORE SPIRIT bumped at the start. ISLAND SHINE then raced tight outside the heels of SINGAPORE SPIRIT shortly after the start when being steadied to obtain cover. From wide barriers, BELLA BABY and NOBODY KNOWS were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. Approaching the 1000 Metres, SPICY GRILL raced tight outside SMART IDEA when being steadied to obtain cover behind that horse. After being ridden along from a wide barrier to obtain a forward position, NOIR RIDER was left racing very wide making the turn near the 1000 Metres and was then steadied after this in an attempt to obtain cover. After briefly obtaining cover behind HANDSOME REBEL passing the 800 Metres, NOIR RIDER was then left racing wide and without cover passing the 700 Metres. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, SMART IDEA was awkwardly placed behind SO AWESOME. At the 300 Metres, ISLAND SHINE was shifted to the inside of BIG TWO. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SAVVY DELIGHT, J Moreira stated that it was intended for the horse to be ridden in about a midfield position. He said SAVVY DELIGHT began well tonight and he commenced to steady shortly after the start to obtain cover. He said however when runners to his inside were also being steadied by their riders, he believed that he would have had to heavily restrain SAVVY DELIGHT in an attempt to obtain a position as instructed. He therefore allowed SAVVY DELIGHT to improve forward of LUCKY MARYKNOLL, SO AWESOME and BIG TWO passing the 1000 Metres rather than remaining racing wide. He added after this SAVVY DELIGHT would not relax when racing in a forward position without cover. He said it was not until near the 600 Metres than SAVVY DELIGHT was able to obtain cover behind HANDSOME REBEL, however, the horse had used up too much energy in the middle stages when over-racing. He said he placed SAVVY DELIGHT under pressure at the entrance to the Straight and the horse gave him only a limited response. He said SAVVY DELIGHT then weakened out of the race over the concluding stages which he attributed to the manner in which the horse would not relax in the early and middle stages. A veterinary inspection of SAVVY DELIGHT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of SAVVY DELIGHT, favourite for tonight’s race and which finished towards the rear of the field, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SAVVY DELIGHT will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Also after the race, C Y Ho stated that after obtaining a forward position, SINGAPORE SPIRIT travelled satisfactorily in the middle stages. He said the horse came under pressure prior to the 400 Metres and then did not quicken as hoped. He said he commenced to ride SINGAPORE SPIRIT vigorously after the 300 Metres, however, the horse did not respond to his riding and then when under pressure after the 200 Metres shifted ground on a number of occasions. He added that after this SINGAPORE SPIRIT weakened noticeably over the concluding stages. A veterinary inspection of SINGAPORE SPIRIT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of ISLAND SHINE and NOBODY KNOWS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SAVVY DELIGHT, SMART IDEA and SPICY GRILL were sent for sampling.