23/02/2011  Happy Valley  Race 3

Approaching the 600 Metres, EXPRESS WIN was taken wider by AASHIQ which shifted to the outside of PERFECT GEAR. Shortly after entering into the Straight, OPERATION SECRET was momentarily steadied when disappointed for running between ABSOLUTE HEDGE and AASHIQ. Apprentice M L Yeung (EXPRESS WIN) said that passing the 900 Metres he intended to remain racing on the fence behind AASHIQ. He said however that the tempo of the race at this time slackened and EXPRESS WIN commenced to travel keenly. He said rather than restrain EXPRESS WIN away from the heels of AASHIQ, he elected to allow EXPRESS WIN to shift to the outside of the heels of that horse. He added approaching the 600 Metres EXPRESS WIN was then taken wider by AASHIQ which shifted to the outside of PERFECT GEAR. When questioned, W C Marwing stated that he had been instructed to ride PERFECT GEAR, which was having its first start over 1650 Metres tonight, positively in the early stages and if he was able to lead, he should do so. He said he was further instructed that if AASHIQ showed superior speed to PERFECT GEAR, he should allow that horse to lead and obtain a position behind AASHIQ. He said in accordance with the instructions, he rode PERFECT GEAR along in the early stages and passing the winning post on the first occasion he assessed that AASHIQ was being steadied by its rider, therefore he continued to allow PERFECT GEAR to travel into the lead. He added that although the first section of the race was run in quick time, after the 1000 Metres he was able to steady PERFECT GEAR and the horse was able to get a breather throughout the middle stages. He said when placed under pressure PERFECT GEAR responded fairly to his riding and stayed on in the run to the line to finish just behind the placegetters. Trainer C Fownes confirmed that he had instructed W C Marwing to be positive on PERFECT GEAR as the horse had been successful when ridden in the lead in races over a shorter distance than that of tonight’s. He said he advised Jockey Marwing that if AASHIQ showed superior speed, he should allow that horse to lead and sit off AASHIQ. He added that he was satisfied with the performance of PERFECT GEAR when ridden in the lead tonight. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of ABLE SPEED, W M Lai stated that he had been instructed to obtain a forward position on the horse. He said despite him riding his mount along in the early stages, ABLE SPEED did not show any early pace and for this reason raced further back in the field than had been intended. He said when the tempo of the race steadied passing the 1000 Metres, ABLE SPEED travelled more comfortably, however, came under pressure at the 400 Metres and was disappointing in the manner in which it failed to finish off its race. A veterinary inspection of AASHIQ and ABLE SPEED after the race did not show any significant findings. ABSOLUTE HEDGE and OPERATION SECRET were sent for sampling.