28/12/2022  Happy Valley  Race 1

LOYAL AMBITION was crowded for room on jumping between GIVE WAY PLEASE and MEDIC ELITE, both of which shifted ground. SIMPLE DOCTRINE, which was fractious in the barriers, was bumped on jumping by GO BALLISTIC which shifted in. After this, from wide barriers, SIMPLE DOCTRINE and GO BALLISTIC were shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover. SMART COUSIN was also steadied shortly after the start to obtain a position closer to the rail. After the 1600 Metres, LOYAL AMBITION and MEDIC ELITE bumped. Passing the 1200 Metres, SMART COUSIN was momentarily crowded for room inside FOREVER GLORIOUS which got its head on the side and shifted in before being directed out to relieve the crowding. GO BALLISTIC, which was following FOREVER GLORIOUS, was inconvenienced in consequence. In the middle stages, GIVE WAY PLEASE travelled keenly in the lead. Passing the 300 Metres, BEAUTY NOVA was inconvenienced when disappointed for running between LOYAL AMBITION which shifted out and ASIAN ONE which was taken in marginally by MEDIC ELITE. After the 300 Metres, FORTUNE TRIPLE and MOONLUCK bumped as FORTUNE TRIPLE improved into tight running between MEDIC ELITE and MOONLUCK. Passing the 250 Metres, GO BALLISTIC was shifted out across the heels of MOONLUCK to obtain clear running. When being shifted out, GO BALLISTIC brushed JOLLY FOREVER. Approaching the 100 Metres, GO BALLISTIC was inconvenienced when crowded for room between FOREVER GLORIOUS and MOONLUCK, both of which shifted ground. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of MEDIC ELITE, Z Purton stated that, in his opinion, stepping back up to 1800 Metres, MEDIC ELITE was not suited by the tempo of tonight’s race. He said he believed that in order for MEDIC ELITE to see out the 1800 Metres strongly, the horse would require the race being run at a more sedate tempo than tonight’s race. A veterinary inspection of MEDIC ELITE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, S De Sousa reported that ASIAN ONE never travelled strongly in tonight’s race after obtaining a forward position in the early stages. He said ASIAN ONE came under heavy pressure after the 800 Metres and then did not finish the race off. A veterinary inspection of ASIAN ONE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on MOONLUCK at the request of Trainer T P Yung. The Veterinary Surgeon said this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse’s trachea. Before being allowed to race again, MOONLUCK will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection BEAUTY NOVA immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. MEDIC ELITE, FOREVER GLORIOUS and MOONLUCK were sent for sampling.