05/12/2007  Happy Valley  Race 5

Before leaving the holding stalls, NIGHT HUNTER III had its right front plate refitted. NIGHT HUNTER III was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. In the early stages, despite being ridden along, SAMBUOYANT failed to muster speed and travelled well back. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, TRAVEL LEADER, which was proving difficult to settle, got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of VINTAGE GOLD which shifted in when barely clear. For some distance after the 600 Metres, ELEPHANT DANCE raced tight inside TRAVEL LEADER which got its head on the side and shifted in away from LIVERBIRD. Near the 200 Metres, NIGHT HUNTER III, which was having difficulty obtaining clear running, was steadied away from the heels of LIVERBIRD. At the 100 Metres, LIVERBIRD, which was giving ground, became unbalanced and was checked when crowded for room between HARRY HARRY which shifted in and NIGHT HUNTER III which at this time endeavoured to improve into a narrow run on the outside of TRAVEL LEADER. In the circumstances, no action was taken. Over the concluding stages, NIGHT HUNTER III continued to have difficulty obtaining clear running and because of this was not fully tested. In the Straight, VINCERE and TRAVEL LEADER hung in. For the majority of the race, G-ONE LEADING travelled wide and without cover. Throughout the race, LIVERBIRD travelled wide and without cover. Mr C H Yip, trainer of CITY SURFER, explained from a wide barrier he had instructed T Durcan, the horse’s rider, to endeavour to obtain a position in midfield with cover. He said when the horse had drawn more favourably, it had obtained a forward position, however, in his opinion the horse would have to be made use of tonight to obtain a similar position and CITY SURFER would not be able to close the race off if ridden in this manner. LIVERBIRD was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of LIVERBIRD after the race did not show any significant findings. TRAVEL LEADER, SUPER SURPRISE and VINCERE were sent for sampling.