21/04/2010  Happy Valley  Race 4

ELITE FORTUNE was slow to begin. HIGH AIM became unbalanced shortly after the start when crowded for room between SUPER PEPPER and RARE TREASURE which shifted out. Approaching the 800 Metres, SMART CHOICE (M W Leung) blundered when close to the heels of TAI HANG’S PRIDE which shifted out slightly. M W Leung was warned against the practice of having his mounts racing too close to the heels of runners in front. At the entrance to the Straight, HIGH AIM and WELL NOTED bumped as HIGH AIM shifted out to obtain clear running. D Whyte (RARE TREASURE) dropped his whip approaching the 200 Metres. When questioned, D Whyte stated that passing the 150 Metres RARE TREASURE improved to the outside of SUPER PEPPER and inside TAI HANG’S PRIDE. He said approaching the 100 Metres TAI HANG’S PRIDE shifted in and he felt at that time that TAI HANG’S PRIDE would continue to shift in, resulting in RARE TREASURE being crowded for room. He said for this reason he stopped riding RARE TREASURE. He said whilst TAI HANG’S PRIDE did not immediately shift ground as he anticipated, the horse did shift in near the 50 Metres when its rider pulled the whip from the left hand into the right hand. D Whyte was advised that his explanation would be recorded, however, he should where circumstances permit continue to ride his mounts out to the end of the race. Near the 150 Metres, MY TIME was shifted in away from the heels of BE MY SONG. When questioned, O Doleuze stated that due to the anticipated fast pace in the race, it was decided to ride TAI HANG’S PRIDE somewhat quieter than at its recent starts. He said it was hoped that TAI HANG’S PRIDE may be able to obtain a position in about midfield following WELL NOTED. He said on jumping he immediately observed that WELL NOTED began well, therefore he steadied TAI HANG’S PRIDE to shift in behind that horse. He said however that as WELL NOTED did not assume a handy position as he had hoped, TAI HANG’S PRIDE was obliged to race further back in the field than had been anticipated. He said TAI HANG’S PRIDE travelled only fairly in the run, but when placed under pressure in the Straight finished off the race well. A veterinary inspection of RARE TREASURE after the race did not show any significant findings. ELITE FORTUNE, BE MY SONG and HIGH AIM were sent for sampling.