21/04/2010  Happy Valley  Race 8

HORSESHOE FORTUNE began awkwardly, shifted out and shortly after the start was steadied away from the heels of GOOD GAINS. CLASSIC REUNION was slow to begin. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of BUCCANEER, M W Leung stated that he had been instructed to have BUCCANEER, which was having its first start over 1650 Metres at Happy Valley, in a midfield position if possible. He said although BUCCANEER began well, shortly after the start BUCCANEER was momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of SOARING RIVER, requiring him to steady the horse. He said when this happened, CLASSIC REUNION was aggressively ridden to improve its position to the inside of BUCCANEER, therefore he elected to allow that horse to improve and he shifted his mount across behind runners to a position on the fence. He said BUCCANEER travelled satisfactorily throughout the run, but as it was attempting the 1650 Metres at Happy Valley for the first time, he elected to attempt to save ground on the horse and follow GALLANT MASTER into the Straight. He said he had clear running at all times on BUCCANEER in the Straight and the horse, in his opinion, finished off the race only fairly. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of GOOD LUCK WIN, H W Lai stated that he had been instructed to lead on the horse and attempt to find a position on the rail if possible. He said he rode his mount along vigorously in the early stages, however, GOOD LUCK WIN did not show sufficient speed, despite his urgings, to clear runners to his inside. He said passing the winning post on the first occasion when caught wide, he elected to steady GOOD LUCK WIN and obtain a position with cover. He said when the tempo of the race slowed passing the 1100 Metres, GOOD LUCK WIN commenced to over-race and had to be restrained away from the heels of GOOD GAINS. He said after this GOOD LUCK WIN travelled only fairly and when asked for an effort in the Straight closed off the race only fairly. A veterinary inspection of BUCCANEER and GOOD LUCK WIN after the race did not show any significant findings. BUCCANEER, GOOD GAINS and SOARING RIVER were sent for sampling.