19/11/2008  Happy Valley  Race 3

FEEL-SO-GOOD, which was standing with its head turned to the left, was slow to begin. TELECOM GOGO began awkwardly and lost ground. On jumping, BAYVIEW GREYSLEW got its head up. Making the turn at the 1000 Metres, SPLENDID SAILS was tightened for room inside MAGI JOY which got its head on the side and shifted in away from MY PRIDE. After entering the Back Straight, MAGI JOY was left racing wide and without cover. Approaching the turn at the 600 Metres, HAPPY ELITE was steadied away from the heels of MAGI JOY. Making the turn at the 600 Metres, SPLENDID SAILS became unbalanced after being bumped by MY GOAL. MEGABUCKS hung out making the Home Turn. Prior to straightening, MY PRIDE was checked when crowded for room between MAGI JOY which shifted in slightly and MY GOAL which was racing with its head on the side and shifting out away from GALACTIC TACTIC which shifted out at this time. Although the check to MY PRIDE was significant, the Stewards could not apportion blame to one rider and therefore no action was taken. Near the 200 Metres, TELECOM GOGO, which was commencing to close the race off, got its head on the side and shifted out abruptly. As a consequence, BAYVIEW GREYSLEW was carried wider. Passing the 200 Metres, MY GOAL had some difficulty obtaining clear running when racing tight inside MAGI JOY. Approaching and passing the 200 Metres, RACING SPIRIT had some difficulty obtaining clear running. When questioned regarding the poor performance of SPLENDID SAILS, K L Chui explained in the early stages his mount did not show natural speed and therefore he was required to make use of his mount to travel in front of midfield as instructed. He said SPLENDID SAILS travelled keenly at different stages of the race and near the 600 Metres became unbalanced. He said in the Straight SPLENDID SAILS failed to finish the race off and was disappointing. SPLENDID SAILS was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of SPLENDID SAILS after the race did not show any significant findings. MEGABUCKS, INVESTAR and GALACTIC TACTIC were sent for sampling.