24/11/2010  Happy Valley  Race 4

STEEL NERVES was crowded for room at the start between CAGA BOY which shifted out after being bumped by ASIAN CITRUS and THINK BIG which was taken in momentarily by KOENIGSBERG. SKY MASCOT shifted out at the start and bumped CHINA GOOD. O Doleuze (DIAMOND RAINBOW) reported that after the 1000 Metres his mount, which was wearing the visor for the first time tonight, commenced to over-race badly which resulted in him having to check DIAMOND RAINBOW away from the heels of SKY MASCOT. In this incident, CHINA GOOD, which was following, was steadied and shifted out in consequence. When CHINA GOOD shifted out, ASIAN CITRUS, which was following, got its head up and proved difficult to settle. Near the 700 Metres, RAY’S FAVOURITE got its head up and ran in abruptly across the heels of STEEL NERVES and as a result lost a considerable amount of ground. Shortly after entering the Straight, ASIAN CITRUS was steadied away from the heels of CHINA GOOD. Throughout the race, THINK BIG travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, Apprentice T H So (THINK BIG) stated that he had a look to his inside on a number of occasions in the Straight as his mount was laying in under pressure and he received calling on a number of occasions from W C Marwing, the rider of ASIAN CITRUS, which was positioned behind and to the inside of THINK BIG. He said the purpose of looking to his inside was to ensure that he did not cause interference to ASIAN CITRUS. He said despite THINK BIG laying in, he was able to properly test the horse in the Straight. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of PAPAS, C K Tong stated that he rode his mount aggressively out of the barriers to take up a forward position, however, PAPAS did not show any early speed. He said his mount travelled fairly in the race but came under pressure rounding the Home Turn. He said PAPAS was disappointing in the manner in which it weakened in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of PAPAS after the race did not show any significant findings. DIAMOND RAINBOW and SKY MASCOT were sent for sampling.