02/06/2010  Happy Valley  Race 8

CONFUCIUS CLASSIC was slow to begin and shortly after the start was steadied when crowded for room between MR VIGOROUS and FIRST IN COMMAND, both of which shifted ground. MR VIGOROUS and FIRST IN COMMAND then bumped shortly afterwards. Making the turn approaching the 1000 Metres, STAR OF FAME blundered after striking the heels of BLESSING which made the turn awkwardly and shifted out slightly. Passing the 1000 Metres, SUPER PLUS was checked away from the heels of FIRST IN COMMAND. Near the 900 Metres, OUTTALIMITZ was awkwardly placed close to the heels of CONFUCIUS CLASSIC (J Lloyd) which shifted out. J Lloyd reported that after entering the Back Straight his saddle shifted forward, placing him at a disadvantage for the remainder of the event. Making the turn near the 900 Metres, JUMBO GOLD proved difficult to settle and was steadied away from the heels of BLESSING. After this, JUMBLE GOLD continued to prove difficult to settle for some distance. Near the 550 Metres, HIGH RETURN was steadied away from the heels of PROJECT RUNWAY which shifted in when barely clear. Near the 250 Metres, SUPER PLUS was steadied when disappointed for running inside FIRST IN COMMAND. After this, SUPER PLUS was shifted out in an attempt to find clear running, however, near the 150 Metres was awkwardly placed close to the heels of BE MY SONG and was then shifted in away from the heels of that horse. Over the concluding stages, STAR OF FAME was steadied when disappointed for running between HIGH RETURN and PROJECT RUNWAY, both of which shifted ground. When questioned, Y T Cheng stated that he had been instructed to ride HIGH RETURN in a midfield position. He said HIGH RETURN began well, he rode his mount along in the early stages to cross runners to his inside and then attempted to steady HIGH RETURN to allow other runners drawn outside of HIGH RETURN to cross. He said when he attempted to steady HIGH RETURN passing the 1000 Metres, the horse proved difficult to settle and consequently raced in a more forward position than had been intended. A veterinary inspection of CONFUCIUS CLASSIC after the race did not show any significant findings. MR VIGOROUS and FIRST IN COMMAND were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that FIRST IN COMMAND had lost its right hind plate.