10/03/2021  Happy Valley  Race 7

MURRAY’S PARTNERS was slow to begin. From the outside barriers, NAMJONG PLUS and HELENE WISDOM STAR were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. After the 700 Metres, XIANG BAI QI was left racing wide and without cover. Near the 550 Metres, WORLD FAMOUS was awkwardly placed behind FAST PACE. ALPHA HEDGE, which was following WORLD FAMOUS, raced close to the heels of that horse in consequence. After the race, M Chadwick explained that he was asked to ride CASIMIRO with cover and, from barrier 8, it was felt that this may be in about a midfield position or slightly worse than midfield. He said CASIMIRO began very well and immediately travelled into the bridle which resulted in him not being able to steady the horse to place it in a midfield position as hoped. He said as CASIMIRO was travelling strongly in the early stages, he allowed the horse to improve forward of FAST PACE and obtain a position behind the lead after passing the winning post on the first occasion. He said at no time in the early stages did he ride CASIMIRO along. He added CASIMIRO then finished off the race only one-paced. A veterinary inspection of CASIMIRO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. J Moreira explained that passing the 900 Metres FAST PACE was travelling strongly and was awkwardly placed behind CASIMIRO. He said as the race was not being run at a particularly fast tempo, he elected to shift FAST PACE away from the heels of CASIMIRO and improved his position after the 800 Metres and obtained the lead after the 700 Metres. He said FAST PACE was able to improve its position easily at this stage and he was then able to bring the horse back under him passing the 600 Metres. He added he felt that it was in the best interests of FAST PACE to make a quick move at this stage rather than continuing to be awkwardly placed behind CASIMIRO and then possibly being left flat-footed when the tempo of the race increased. A veterinary inspection of WORLD FAMOUS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. XIANG BAI QI and FAST PACE were sent for sampling.