18/04/2010  Happy Valley  Race 6

As the start was effected, TRAVEL GUIDE, which was leaning on the inside of its stall, bounded in the air and began awkwardly. As a result of this, TRAVEL GUIDE lost ground at the start and was then obliged to race further back in the field than is usual. For some distance passing the 1100 Metres, HURRICANE DASH got its head up when proving difficult to settle. Rounding the Home Turn, TRAVEL GUIDE (Apprentice K W Leung) was checked when attempting a run inside UPGRADING where there was insufficient room. Apprentice Leung was advised to ensure that there is sufficient room when attempting to improve his position. Shortly after entering the Straight, SPEEDY WARRIOR was steadied when disappointed for running inside GREAT GUY. For some distance approaching and passing the 200 Metres, ZEZAO raced tight between OCEAN PRINCE and UPGRADING which was attempting to obtain a run between ZEZAO and YOUNG HERO where there was insufficient room. As a result of this, UPGRADING was badly held up for clear running until near the 100 Metres. Passing the 50 Metres, C K Tong (REWARDING STAR) dropped his whip. Throughout the race, OCEAN PRINCE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, H W Lai (HURRICANE DASH) said that passing the 550 Metres he had been following HAPPY MASTER racing in a two wide position. He said shortly after this he shifted out into a three wide position with a view to following OCEAN PRINCE forward, however, at this time HAPPY MASTER also shifted from a two wide position into a three wide position. He said as HURRICANE DASH was carrying top weight, he elected not to shift further to the outside of HAPPY MASTER, but rather he allowed VILASOL to improve around HURRICANE DASH approaching the 400 Metres with a view to following that horse into the race. He said at no time during this stage of the race was HURRICANE DASH held up for clear running and at the entrance to the Straight he was immediately able to shift the horse to the outside of other runners into clear running. UPGRADING, GREAT GUY and HURRICANE DASH were sent for sampling.