14/12/2022  Happy Valley  Race 7

MAGIC TORONADO began only fairly. CIRCUIT TEN shifted in on jumping and bumped the hindquarters of METRO WARRIOR, resulting in METRO WARRIOR becoming unbalanced and CIRCUIT TEN losing ground. Then near the 950 Metres, CIRCUIT TEN stumbled when being shifted across behind METRO WARRIOR. CLASSIC POSH was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners to obtain a position closer to the rail. After travelling a short distance, WIND N GRASS was bumped by CALIFORNIA DEEPLY which shifted in. After the 700 Metres, MAGIC TORONADO raced in restricted room inside CIRCUIT TEN which shifted in away from the heels of CALIFORNIA DEEPLY. MAGIC TORONADO then made the turn after the 600 Metres awkwardly and shifted out towards the heels of CIRCUIT TEN and was again hampered when momentarily crowded for room inside CIRCUIT TEN near the 500 Metres when that horse got its head on the side and shifted in away from TALENTS SUPREMO. After the 200 Metres, METRO WARRIOR was shifted out across the heels of SUPER COMMANDER to continue improving. METRO WARRIOR then raced tight inside SERGEANT PEPPER passing the 150 Metres and approaching the 100 Metres bumped SUPER COMMANDER. When questioned, M L Yeung (WIND N GRASS) stated that from barrier 4 he was asked to attempt to obtain a position forward of midfield in about 4th or 5th position if possible. He said in the early stages he shifted WIND N GRASS across to race behind CIRCUIT TEN to avoid racing three wide as he felt that CIRCUIT TEN would have sufficient speed to be able to take him into a more forward position. He said when CIRCUIT TEN was not able to maintain its position behind METRO WARRIOR after the 900 Metres, this resulted in WIND N GRASS racing further back in the field than had been intended. He added that approaching the 400 Metres he was reluctant to improve to the outside of CIRCUIT TEN as he felt that WIND N GRASS was not travelling strongly enough to improve around that horse and as that horse was being directed to the outside of TALENTS SUPREMO, WIND N GRASS may have been required to cover unnecessary ground. He said therefore he remained racing behind CIRCUIT TEN until the entrance to the Home Straight at which time he immediately shifted WIND N GRASS out and placed it under pressure. He said then in the Straight WIND N GRASS finished the race off strongly. M L Yeung was told that his explanation would be reported, however, he must ensure that he avails himself of the opportunity to improve his position wherever circumstances permit. A veterinary inspection of CIRCUIT TEN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CALIFORNIA DEEPLY and SPECIAL M were sent for sampling.