14/03/2018  Happy Valley  Race 8

When being presented to parade, HEROIC GURU lost its left front plate, resulting in that plate having to be refitted. HEROIC GURU was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. From the outside barriers, TOP LAURELS and BEAUTY TRUST were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. When being steadied from a wide barrier to obtain cover, LUCKY GIRL commenced to travel keenly passing the 1600 Metres. Then approaching the winning post on the first occasion, HEROIC GURU raced tight inside TOP LAURELS which improved to be racing between HEROIC GURU and LUCKY GIRL, resulting in LUCKY GIRL being left racing wide and without cover. LUCKY GIRL was consequently allowed to improve its position towards the lead after the 1000 Metres. Passing the 1000 Metres, LITTERATEUR commenced to prove very difficult to settle as LUCKY GIRL improved to its outside, resulting in LITTERATEUR having to be severely checked away from the heels of MARVEL JOY. Passing the 500 Metres, TEN FLAMES raced in restricted room inside LITTERATEUR. CIRCUIT GLORY lost its left front plate at the 450 Metres. Approaching the 100 Metres, HEROIC GURU raced tight inside TOP LAURELS, resulting in K Teetan, the rider of TOP LAURELS, straightening his mount. Throughout the race, BEAUTY TRUST raced detached from the field. Before being allowed to race again, BEAUTY TRUST will be required to perform competitively in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned regarding the tempo of the race from near the 700 Metres, Apprentice H N Wong stated that HIGH VOLATILITY was able to run a slow early section and then only an average tempo in the middle stages. He said because of this when he heard another runner commencing to improve its position around runners near the 700 Metres, he allowed HIGH VOLATILITY to quicken so that his mount was not taken on in the lead by that horse. He said HIGH VOLATILITY quickened better than he anticipated, however, as the turn was approaching after the 600 Metres, he was reluctant to steady his mount as this may have resulted in him breaking the stride of that horse which would then not allow it to finish off the race. He said although this resulted in the tempo of the race quickening appreciably at this time, given the early sections of the race and the horse’s light weight, he felt that it was available for him to quicken in the lead without being detrimental to HIGH VOLATILITY’s opportunity to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of LUCKY GIRL and RED MARVEL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. HIGH VOLATILITY, LITTERATEUR and CHATER LEGEND were sent for sampling.