22/02/2023  Happy Valley  Race 1

HEAVENLY THOUGHT, which was slow to begin, was crowded soon after the start between NOIR RIDER which shifted in and FLAMING EAGLE which was taken out by COMMON ROOM, resulting in FLAMING EAGLE becoming unbalanced and soon after having to be steadied when crowded by NOIR RIDER which continued to shift in. From the outside barriers, TOUCH FAITH and SEA MONARCH were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. NOBODY KNOWS raced keenly in the early stages and near the 1000 Metres was awkwardly placed close to the heels of COMMON ROOM. When caught wide in the early stages, NOIR RIDER was allowed to stride forward where it obtained a position outside the lead near the 800 Metres. HEAVENLY THOUGHT raced keenly in the middle stages and near the 800 Metres was steadied away from FLAMING EAGLE. Near the 200 Metres, FLAMING EAGLE shifted out to improve and made contact with CHIRON when that runner shifted in slightly, resulting in CHIRON becoming unbalanced. Approaching the 100 Metres, NOIR RIDER was placed in restricted room to the outside of HAPPY TANGO when that runner shifted out slightly. A short distance later, NOIR RIDER was checked when crowded between HAPPY TANGO and M M JOHNNY which, after improving to the inside of ON EXCEL STAR (H N Wong), was taken in slightly by that runner. H N Wong was reprimanded and advised in similar circumstances he would be required to make a greater effort to straighten his mounts when they commence to shift ground when not clear. After this incident, SEA MONARCH was momentarily held up behind NOIR RIDER and then shifted to that runner’s inside where it secured a narrow run passing the 100 Metres. Over the final 50 Metres, TOUCH FAITH could not be fully tested when inclined to lay in and positioned close to the heels of TAKE WHAT YOU NEED. Over the concluding stages, CHIRON raced in restricted room between COMMON ROOM and TOUCH FAITH. When questioned regarding the apparent improved performance of FLAMING EAGLE, Trainer P C Ng stated that from an inside barrier he had expected FLAMING EAGLE to take up a position forward of midfield. He said FLAMING EAGLE sustained interference at the start and settle further back than had been intended. He said however the main explanation for tonight’s improved performance was FLAMING EAGLE dropping down in grade and appreciated by being ridden in a more conservative manner in the early stages of the event. After the race, COMMON ROOM was noted to have bled from both nostrils. A veterinary inspection of CHIRON and TOUCH FAITH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FLAMING EAGLE and M M JOHNNY were sent for sampling.