28/12/2022  Happy Valley  Race 6

As the start was effected, BALLISTIC MAN turned its head to the right and was slow to begin. SPICY GRILL shifted out at the start and bumped BIG TWO. After this, both SPICY GRILL and BIG TWO were shifted across behind runners from wide barriers. After initially being ridden along from the outside barrier, LUCKY MISSILE was steadied approaching the winning post on the first occasion to obtain cover. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, AMAZING BOY shifted in and bumped V CHEVALIERS. Then after passing the winning post on the first occasion, AMAZING BOY shifted out after racing tight outside V CHEVALIERS. BIG TWO, which was following AMAZING BOY, got its head up when being checked away from the heels of that horse in consequence and shifted in, causing SPICY GRILL to be badly hampered when crowded for room between BIG TWO and LEAN HERO. BALLISTIC MAN, which was following SPICY GRILL, was checked away from the heels of that horse in consequence. After the race, SPICY GRILL was noted to have sustained a laceration to the left hind leg. As the Stewards were of the opinion that there was no rider carelessness attributed to this incident, no further action was taken. After this incident, BIG TWO was left racing wide and without cover and after the 800 Metres was taken wider again by UNITED ENDEAVORS. After the 1200 Metres, SPICY GRILL commenced to travel keenly and was checked away from the heels of AMAZING BOY near the 1150 Metres. After the 900 Metres, AMAZING BOY commenced to travel keenly and shifted out away from the heels of SUNNY AND GOLD. AMAZING BOY and SPICY GRILL then raced tight which resulted in AMAZING BOY again being awkwardly placed behind SUNNY AND GOLD near the 850 Metres. Passing the 700 Metres, V CHEVALIERS and SUNNY AND GOLD raced tight as V CHEVALIERS attempted to improve into restricted room between SUNNY AND GOLD and COPARTNER ERA. V CHEVALIERS then raced close to the heels of COPARTNER ERA approaching the 600 Metres and near the 550 Metres became unbalanced when crowded for room inside SUNNY AND GOLD which got its head on the side and lay in away from SPICY GRILL when racing tight inside that horse. At the 200 Metres, AMAZING BOY was directed out away from the heels of V CHEVALIERS which shifted out to obtain clear running. When questioned, M F Poon (V CHEVALIERS) stated that at the entrance to the Straight he shifted his mount out from behind SUPER BABY as he believed that UNITED ENDEAVORS and SPICY GRILL, which were racing to the outside of that horse, were better horses to be able to take him into the race. He said whilst a run was available to the inside of SUPER BABY, he was concerned that THETA HEDGE, which was racing in advance, although a good chance in tonight’s race, was up in grade and may not finish the race off as strongly as it did at its last start when successful in Class 5. He said he therefore committed to the outside of SUPER BABY which resulted in V CHEVALIERS having to be shifted out a number of horses after the 300 Metres to obtain clear running to the outside of SPICY GRILL near the 200 Metres. M F Poon was advised that his explanation would be reported, however, he must ensure that he is alert to the opportunity to avail himself of advantageous runs when available so that his mounts are given every opportunity to finish their races off. A veterinary inspection of BIG TWO immediately following the race which included an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse’s trachea. Before being allowed to race again, BIG TWO will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. THETA HEDGE, LEAN HERO and COPARTNER ERA were sent for sampling.