11/05/2016  Happy Valley  Race 7

Shortly after the start, CLOUD NINE shifted out and bumped INDUSTRIALIST WAY. From wide barriers, TOWERING STORM and ANDOYAS were shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover. LITTLE ISLAND travelled wide and without cover until after the 900 Metres. Approaching the 600 Metres, VANILLA commenced to prove difficult to settle and was steadied away from the heels of LOTUS STRIKES BACK. Passing the 200 Metres, LOTUS STRIKES BACK lay in under pressure and brushed PO CHING TREASURE. Approaching the 100 Metres, CLOUD NINE raced in restricted room inside TEN FLAMES which was taken in marginally by LITTLE ISLAND. When questioned, Apprentice H N Wong (PO CHING TREASURE) stated that he was asked to try and lead which is consistent with the instructions he had been provided at its last two starts. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode his mount along vigorously in the early stages, however, PO CHING TREASURE did not show the same early speed that it had done at its previous starts when ridden by him. He said he rode the horse along for a considerable distance including slapping it down the shoulder with the whip, however, PO CHING TREASURE did not show the same early speed as runners drawn more favourably and consequently after travelling approximately 200 Metres, he elected to obtain cover on PO CHING TREASURE rather than continue to ride the horse along. He added by making this decision he believed it would provide PO CHING TREASURE with more opportunity to finish off the race than the horse would have had were it to be continually ridden along to obtain a forward position. He said PO CHING TREASURE travelled fairly when racing with cover behind LITTLE ISLAND, but was then left racing wide and without cover after the 900 Metres when LITTLE ISLAND improved its position. When questioned regarding the performance of JOLLY GENE, M Chadwick stated that dropping back in distance he was asked to try and have the horse slightly more handy in the run than it was last start, particularly given that it had drawn the inside barrier. He said although he had to ride JOLLY GENE along somewhat in the early stages, the horse was able to obtain a good position without having to have too much use made of it. He said in the early stages he was following TEN FLAMES, however, he was taken further back in the field when that horse handed up the lead to CLOUD NINE. He added when the pace of the race quickened approaching the 400 Metres, JOLLY GENE was left flat-footed and then finished off the race only one-paced. A veterinary inspection of JOLLY GENE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LOTUS STRIKES BACK and PO CHING TREASURE were sent for sampling.