26/02/2014  Happy Valley  Race 2

KING’S FOLKS began awkwardly and shortly after the start lost ground when crowded for room between PEPPERMINT and PERFECT TRIUMPH which was taken in by BEAUTY KING. EXPECTATOR shifted out at the start and hampered JOLLY GOOD STAR. From the outside barrier, SKIP COURT was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 1150 Metres, KING’S FOLKS was momentarily crowded for room inside UWILLBEGLORIOUS. Approaching the 1100 Metres, KING TAI SING got its head on the side and was reluctant to maintain its position inside BEAUTY KING which shifted in marginally. Near the 600 Metres, KING TAI SING got its head on the side, lay out and lost ground when awkwardly placed inside the heels of DEMOKLES. Near the 150 Metres, DEMOKLES was momentarily steadied away from the heels of PEPPERMINT which shifted in. When questioned, Apprentice K C Ng stated that after the 900 Metres he was content to allow BEAUTY KING to race outside and about a half length behind the leader FUN HEROES. He said however at this time BEAUTY KING commenced to travel strongly and he was unable to restrain the horse so as to prevent it from improving its position to be racing on terms with FUN HEROES. He said whilst he knew it was not in the best interests of BEAUTY KING to be racing on terms with FUN HEROES, he was unable to take any further measures to prevent that from occurring. Apprentice Ng was advised that whilst it was supported on the video that BEAUTY KING raced keenly after the 900 Metres, nonetheless he must make all endeavours to have his mounts travel in such a manner so that they are able to then finish off the race. When questioned regarding the performance of EXPECTATOR, B Prebble stated that he was able to obtain a good position during the race in front of midfield. He said EXPECTATOR travelled very well in the early and middle stages before coming under pressure after the 500 Metres. He added EXPECTATOR was not able to quicken with other runners and in the Straight finished off the race only one-paced. A veterinary inspection of EXPECTATOR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of BEAUTY KING immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. EXPECTATOR, PEPPERMINT and UWILLBEGLORIOUS were sent for sampling.