19/09/2007  Happy Valley  Race 7

ENGINEERING WONDER was slow to begin and then lost further ground when being steadied away from the heels of BRILLIANT ONE. SOLAR MIGHTY was slow to muster speed. After the 900 Metres, SOLAR MIGHTY, which was proving difficult to settle, became unbalanced when being steadied away from the heels of BODACIOUS which was momentarily carried wider by FLORAL STAR. BRILLIANT ONE and DASHING CHAMPION, which were following, were steadied in consequence. After the 700 Metres, BEAUTY PLUS was left racing without cover. Prior to straightening, FLORAL STAR became unbalanced when racing tight inside COUNTRY MAGIC. At the 150 Metres, SOLAR MIGHTY became unbalanced when crowded for room between KINGSTON WINNER and BRILLIANT ONE. After this, SOLAR MIGHTY and BRILLIANT ONE raced tight for the remainder of the race. Throughout the race, MAGI JOY travelled wide and without cover. Mr C S Shum, trainer of FLORAL STAR, which was having its first start in blinkers tonight, said he had instructed Y T Cheng, the horse's rider, to try and go forward from a favourable draw and then allow horses to cross and provide him with cover. He said because of the circumstances in which the race was run, FLORAL STAR maintained the lead on the rail. Mr Shum said it is his intention to have FLORAL STAR ridden with cover where circumstances permit. S K Sit (OPERA MAGIC) explained he had been instructed to endeavour to have the horse in a forward position. He said OPERA MAGIC began fairly, he immediately commenced to ride his mount along, however, OPERA MAGIC did not muster speed and in the early stages dropped to the rear. He said he continued to ride OPERA MAGIC along in the early stages, however, it was not until after the 800 Metres that the horse commenced to make ground. He said making the turn after the 600 Metres when racing at the rear of the field, he remained racing on the inside to save ground, then in the Straight when being ridden out OPERA MAGIC made fair ground. He was unable to offer any explanation for the horse failing to show its speed in the early stages. OPERA MAGIC and MAGI JOY were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of OPERA MAGIC and MAGI JOY after the race did not show any significant findings. BRILLIANT ONE, PROPELLOR and ENGINEERING WONDER were sent for sampling.