04/07/2012  Happy Valley  Race 4

SUPREME TAIJI was withdrawn on 3.7.12 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter VICTORY IDE SAY (M Chadwick). Before being allowed to race again, SUPREME TAIJI will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After arriving at the barriers, M Chadwick, the rider of VICTORY IDE SAY, expressed concern over the horse’s action. VICTORY IDE SAY was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion the horse was lame in its right front leg and as such was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, VICTORY IDE SAY was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, VICTORY IDE SAY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. HOME WITH GLORY and HEI HEI POSH were slow to begin. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, HEI HEI POSH was inconvenienced when momentarily crowded for room inside HOME WITH GLORY which improved into tight running to the inside of DRAGON PINS which itself was racing tight inside HO WONGCHOY. After passing the winning post on the first occasion, HO WONGCHOY was left racing wide and without cover and passing the 1100 Metres was allowed to stride into the lead. Near the 200 Metres, HEI HEI POSH was shifted to the inside of CHARMGOLD to obtain clear running. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of DRAGON PINS, Z Purton stated that his mount travelled satisfactorily in the early and middle stages in about a midfield position. He said whilst he had not ridden DRAGON PINS in its previous races, he formed the view from looking at those races that the horse is somewhat one-paced and for this reason he elected to commence improving his position after the 600 Metres rather than be left flat-footed. He said that he had to ride DRAGON PINS vigorously at this time in an endeavour to have the horse improve its position, however, DRAGON PINS quickly came under pressure and despite being ridden out did not respond to his riding and was disappointing in the manner in which it weakened out of the race in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of HO WONGCHOY and DRAGON PINS after the race did not show any significant findings. INTELLECTUALSTRIDE and FOLLOW THE WIND were sent for sampling.