17/04/2011  Happy Valley  Race 4

SUCCESSFUL ERA was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, WINNING PAL was checked when crowded for room between DECENT FELLOW which shifted out slightly and PROSPERITY KID which got its head on the side and hung in despite the efforts of its rider. From a wide barrier, DAILY DOUBLE was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, EPEE DE HUA raced in restricted room inside PROSPERITY KID which got its head on the side and lay in when close to the heels of TOUT VA BIEN. NOBLE TWINS travelled wide and without cover until after the 600 Metres. Rounding the Home Turn, HUMONGUS was steadied when disappointed for running between WINNING PAL and GORGEOUS RULER which shifted out. HUMONGUS then got its head on the side and lay in in the Straight. When questioned, M W Leung (DECENT FELLOW) stated that passing the winning post on the first occasion he had been following NOT QUITE PERFECT and inside HUMONGUS. He said at this time DECENT FELLOW was having difficulty in maintaining its position between SUCCESSFUL ERA and HUMONGUS and he was reluctant to ride the horse along at this stage to maintain his position as he had been instructed by the trainer of the horse to ensure that DECENT FELLOW was settled. He said for this reason HUMONGUS was able to shift in to a position in front of DECENT FELLOW and behind NOT QUITE PERFECT. M W Leung was advised that wherever possible he should make every endeavour to maintain advantageous positions. G Cheyne reported that he had been instructed to obtain cover on PROSPERITY KID. He said when he was not able to do this passing the winning post on the first occasion due to EPEE DE HUA maintaining its position to his inside, PROSPERITY KID commenced to over-race badly when travelling to the outside of TOUT VA BIEN. He said he had attempted to maintain the position outside of TOUT VA BIEN, however, PROSPERITY KID mount was racing too fiercely and for this reason he allowed the horse to stride forward in the hope that it would settle better. He said on entering the Back Straight he again attempted to steady PROSPERITY KID, however, the horse continued to prove difficult to settle and for this reason PROSPERITY KID was obliged to race outside and in advance of TOUT VA BIEN. HUMONGUS, WINNING PAL and EPEE DE HUA were sent for sampling.