23/12/2009  Happy Valley  Race 5

HEALTHY BLUEBERRY was slow to begin and then shortly after the start was steadied away from the heels of BATURO. From the outside barrier, SWEET BABY was restrained and taken across behind runners shortly after the start. From a barrier towards the outside, FORTUNE DRAGON was ridden along in the early stages, however, failed to muster speed and consequently raced back in the field. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, LUCKY MONEY failed to muster speed and consequently raced further back than usual. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, HEALTHY BLUEBERRY was steadied away from the heels of ICE FIRE. Near the 800 Metres, ICE FIRE became unbalanced and lost ground. Rounding the Home Turn, ICE FIRE was checked when reluctant to maintain its position when racing tight inside BEST NOODLE. HEALTHY BLUEBERRY, which was following, was checked and shifted out in consequence. Passing the 100 Metres, HEALTHY BLUEBERRY was steadied away from the heels of BEST NOODLE which shifted out away from ROCKET AND GOLD. Over the concluding stages, SUPER SURPRISE was held up and unable to improve after making ground close to the heels of BATURO. Because of this, SUPER SURPRISE was not ridden out to the end of the race as it normally would be. BEST NOODLE travelled wide and without cover until the 600 Metres. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of HEALTHY BLUEBERRY, Y T Cheng stated that after beginning awkwardly, he rode his mount along in an endeavour to obtain a forward position, however, the horse was not able to muster speed prior to runners crossing in front and therefore was obliged to race further back in the field than had been anticipated. He said after this HEALTHY BLUEBERRY did not finish off the race as he expected and, in his opinion, is better suited when being able to lead in its races. A veterinary inspection of HEALTHY BLUEBERRY and FORTUNE DRAGON after the race did not show any significant findings. HEALTHY BLUEBERRY, BATURO and OLYMPICSHIP were sent for sampling.