24/02/2010  Happy Valley  Race 1

Shortly after the start, GIANT BLIZZARD, which began awkwardly, was steadied away from the heels of SAMMY`S FORTUNE which shifted out after being bumped by DRAGON BOY which was taken out by MAXIMUM CHARM which in turn was taken out by BAUHINIA which shifted out after beginning awkwardly. Near the 1300 Metres, GIANT BLIZZARD shifted out when being checked away from the heels of MAXIMUM CHARM and in doing so bumped SAMMY`S FORTUNE which became unbalanced when awkwardly placed inside the heels of DRAGON BOY. When the pace steadied passing the 1200 Metres, ROMANCING TAMAR and FRAMES DEPOT both proved difficult to settle. After being caught wide in the early stages, DRAGON BOY was allowed to stride forward approaching and passing the 1000 Metres to lead. Near the 500 Metres, WINNING STRATEGY lost ground when crowded for room inside BAUHINIA which at this stage got its head on the side and lay in. In the early part of the Straight, MAXIMUM CHARM had some difficulty obtaining clear running. When questioned regarding the tactics adopted on AIPODER IMAGE tonight, Trainer L Ho stated that the owner of the horse had requested for it to be ridden quietly from barrier 12 as it was felt that there was a deal of pace drawn to its inside which would require too much use to be made of AIPODER IMAGE in the early stages to take up a forward position. He said it was also felt that AIPODER IMAGE may be left racing wide and without cover should it not show sufficient pace to cross runners in the early stages. He said although this riding tactic had been proposed by the owner, he was in agreement with this tactic being adopted as at its final start last season on 24 June 2009, the horse had finished off the race well when ridden from behind over the same course and distance and from barrier 12. Mr Ho stated that whilst AIPODER IMAGE had raced consistently this season when ridden in a forward position, he believed that its last three starts had shown that the horse was vulnerable at the end of the race when use had been made of it to obtain a forward position. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of FRAMES DEPOT, A Suborics stated that he had hoped to obtain a position behind the leaders, however, FRAMES DEPOT did not show sufficient early speed and was obliged to race further back than had been anticipated. He said FRAMES DEPOT proved difficult to settle when the pace of the race slackened passing the 1200 Metres, however, commenced to travel more kindly passing the 1000 Metres. He said in the Straight FRAMES DEPOT finished off the race one-paced. A veterinary inspection of FRAMES DEPOT after the race did not show any significant findings. WINNING STRATEGY, SAMMY`S FORTUNE and ROMANCING TAMAR were sent for sampling.