11/06/2008  Happy Valley  Race 8

PRIME TARGET was slow to begin. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, BEST POWER was steadied when awkwardly placed inside SOLAR POWER. After passing the winning post on the first occasion, FORTUNE WARRIOR was checked when crowded for room between BEST POWER and PRIME TARGET (C K Tong) which when being ridden along got its head on the side and initially shifted in away from SUNBELL (M W Leung) and then was carried in further by that horse. In the circumstances, both C K Tong and M W Leung were severely reprimanded and told to exercise greater care. On straightening, SOLAR POWER was steadied and shifted to the inside of CHINA HERO in an endeavour to obtain clear running. Then at the 250 Metres, SOLAR POWER was steadied and shifted out when disappointed for running inside CHINA HERO. After straightening, FIRST BABY had difficulty obtaining clear running between SIR LAGO and PRIME TARGET. For some distance after straightening, KING HOGAN was held up and unable to obtain clear running. Over about the final 50 Metres, SOLAR POWER had difficulty obtaining clear running and because of this was not ridden out to the end of the race. F Coetzee (FIRST BABY) explained from a more favourable draw the intention had been to ride the horse more prominently than in its recent starts. He said FIRST BABY does not possess natural gate speed and because of this he rode along vigorously in the early stages. He said after passing the winning post on the first occasion HERE WE GO crossed to race in front of him and FIRST BABY immediately commenced to over-race. He said FIRST BABY shifted out to follow PRIME TARGET forward after the 700 Metres, however, responded only fairly to his riding afterwards. He said in his opinion FIRST BABY may not have been suited by being made use of in the early stages. FIRST BABY was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. After the race, FIRST BABY was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said the horse had sustained a mild abrasion to its right hind coronet. M W Leung (SUNBELL) explained his mount was not able to obtain a position with cover at any stage of the race and felt awkward in its action. He said he placed SUNBELL under pressure making the turn at the 600 Metres, however, the horse did not respond to his riding and commenced to give ground. SUNBELL was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of SUNBELL after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of SUNBELL, which tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being permitted to race again, SUNBELL will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. KING HOGAN and CHAMPION LAD were sent for sampling.