13/05/2020  Happy Valley  Race 6

M L Yeung was dislodged from SEVENTH SEA in the Parade Ring without incident when that horse became fractious. Shortly after the start, SMART LEADER was bumped by NAMJONG SINGS which shifted in after making contact with SEVENTH SEA. From wide barriers, STAY CHILL and JUMBO HAPPINESS were steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. In the early stages, SEVENTH SEA travelled keenly when being steadied to obtain cover behind NAMJONG SINGS. Throughout the race, HIGHLAND FORTUNE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, K C Leung stated that he was instructed to be positive on E STAR and it was hoped that the horse could obtain a position behind the leaders. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode his mount along from the barriers, however, E STAR did not show early speed and HIGHLAND FORTUNE, which was drawn immediately to its inside, showed more early speed than E STAR. He said approaching the 1100 Metres he commenced to steady his mount to obtain cover as E STAR had not raced tractably at its last start and had hung out. He said E STAR made the turn approaching the 1000 Metres well and therefore after the 1000 Metres he commenced to ride his mount along. He said despite being ridden along E STAR did not quicken and passing the 850 Metres dipped. He added he balanced up E STAR and again commenced to ride his mount along near the 600 Metres. He said E STAR initially did not respond to his riding, however, after the 500 Metres commenced to make up ground and was shifted to the outside of runners in the early part of the Straight. He said E STAR, when under pressure in the Straight, finished off the race well and for this reason he recommended to connections that they consider stepping the horse up in distance in its future starts and riding it from off the speed given the manner in which the horse closed off the race tonight. When questioned, Apprentice K H Chan stated that, in his opinion, STAR LUCK does not appreciate racing at Happy Valley as much as it does at Sha Tin and particularly on the All Weather track. He said tonight he was able to lead from the inside barrier, however, STAR LUCK travelled only fairly and then after coming under pressure near the 200 Metres gave ground noticeably over the concluding stages. A veterinary inspection of STAR LUCK immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of NAMJONG SINGS, C Schofield stated that although the horse travelled somewhat keenly when racing between HIGHLAND FORTUNE and SMART LEADER in the middle stages, this did not have any bearing on it failing to finish off the race. He said NAMJONG SINGS was travelling well rounding the Home Turn, however, came under heavy pressure at the entrance to the Straight and then gave ground over the concluding stages. A veterinary inspection of NAMJONG SINGS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SMART LEADER and BIG FORTUNE were sent for sampling.