06/05/2009  Happy Valley  Race 6

NOBLE SILENCE was slow to begin. ABLE DRAGON was slow to begin and then lost further ground when bumped by MASTER GUNNER which shifted in. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, MINGS’ HERO failed to muster speed. After the 1000 Metres, WIN-A-LOT was steadied away from the heels of MASTER GUNNER which got its head up and lost ground when steadied while momentarily crowded inside the hindquarters of NILOMETER which got its head on the side and hung in. After this, MASTER GUNNER proved difficult to settle and near the 800 Metres again got its head up and lost ground when being steadied away from the heels of VIVA FIGHTER. At the 700 Metres, MASTER GUNNER was steadied away from the heels of VIVA FIGHTER which shifted in. In the early part of the Straight, DRAGON EYE hung in. Passing the 200 Metres, DRAGON EYE was carried wider by SOLAR POWER. Throughout the race, ELITE FORTUNE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the improved performance of the winner, VIVA FIGHTER, Trainer C Fownes explained he was disappointed in the horse’s most recent race start. He said on that occasion VIVA FIGHTER was returning to race at Happy Valley after having had a number of starts at Sha Tin. He explained VIVA FIGHTER had shown a preference for racing at Happy Valley and because of this and the increase in distance it was anticipated the horse would perform well. He said subsequent to that race W C Marwing who rode the horse on that occasion explained to him that VIVA FIGHTER became very worked up prior to the race and then did not travel at any stage of the race. Mr Fownes said subsequent to that race he had varied the gear in which VIVA FIGHTER raced in an endeavour to have the horse more settled. He said in addition he had given VIVA FIGHTER a searching barrier trial in which it was ridden by B Prebble who rode the horse tonight to ensure it would concentrate in its race. He said VIVA FIGHTER won that trial by a big margin and had been impressive. He said because of this the improved performance of VIVA FIGHTER tonight was anticipated. When questioned regarding the poor performance of MINGS’ HERO, W M Lai said the intention had been to ride the horse in a midfield or slightly better position from the inside barrier. He said despite being ridden along in the early stages MINGS' HERO failed to muster speed and got back to a rearward position. He said at no stage of tonight’s race did MINGS' HERO travel well and was disappointing in the manner in which it closed the race off. MINGS' HERO was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of MINGS' HERO after the race did not show any significant findings. MASTER GUNNER was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of MASTER GUNNER after the race did not show any significant findings. VIVA FIGHTER and NILOMETER were sent for sampling.