10/04/2013  Happy Valley  Race 8

Shortly after the start, ST YAZIN was checked when crowded for room between HEARTS KEEPER which shifted out and VICTORIUS which was taken in by FUN ‘N’ GAMES which in turn shifted in after being bumped by COUNTRY CHARM. In this incident, VICTORIUS became unbalanced when bumped on the hindquarters by ST YAZIN. From the outside barrier, FOREVER ELATION was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Making the first turn, COUNTRY CHARM was steadied away from the heels of FUN ‘N’ GAMES which shifted out away from HEARTS KEEPER which in turn was taken out by ALL VICTORY. In the early part of the Straight, ST YAZIN got its head on the side and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of FOREVER ELATION for some distance. Near the 100 Metres, GENUINE LEADER was steadied when disappointed for running between LOADS OF JOY and TOMODACHI which shifted out. After this, GENUINE LEADER was awkwardly placed close to the heels of TOMODACHI for some distance and because of this was not able to be ridden out over the concluding stages. Approaching the 50 Metres, FUN ‘N’ GAMES got its head on the side, shifted in abruptly across the heels of ST YAZIN and was checked. Passing the 50 Metres, MY GOAL shifted in and bumped HAPPY CHAMPION. Over the concluding stages, FOREVER ELATION was steadied by its rider when GENUINE LEADER shifted to the inside of TOMODACHI in an attempt to find clear running. Throughout the race, HEARTS KEEPER travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, K C Leung stated that he had been asked to ride COUNTRY CHARM in a midfield position from barrier 10. He said it was felt that over 1200 Metres from a wide barrier, the horse would not have sufficient pace to clear a number of runners drawn more favourably and that COUNTRY CHARM may therefore be left racing wide and would not be able to finish off the race under the circumstances. He said in accordance with his instructions he commenced to shift COUNTRY CHARM in shortly after the start in an endeavour to obtain a midfield position, however, FUN ‘N’ GAMES, which was drawn inside COUNTRY CHARM, continued to be steadied by its rider after beginning well which prevented him from being able to shift COUNTRY CHARM across behind runners until after the 1000 Metres. He said by the time he was in the position to shift COUNTRY CHARM behind FUN ‘N’ GAMES, COUNTRY CHARM was much further back in the field than had been intended. A veterinary inspection of FUN ‘N’ GAMES and COUNTRY CHARM immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. VICTORIUS and TOMODACHI were sent for sampling.