04/02/2009  Happy Valley  Race 2

On jumping, with the intention of being ridden quietly, GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY was taken back. NIGHT HUNTER III was slow to begin. After passing the winning post on the first occasion, EVER KING, which was proving difficult to settle, got its head up and shifted out when being steadied away from the heels of EMBRACES. After the 800 Metres, EVER KING was bumped on several occasions by GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY which shifted away from the rail into the one off position. As a consequence, approaching the turn at the 600 Metres EVER KING was left racing wide and without cover. For a short distance after the 200 Metres, TRAVEL LEADER was awkwardly placed close to the heels of DR WELL. In the Straight, NIGHT HUNTER III hung in and proved difficult to ride. When questioned, O Doleuze (BREAKING POINT) said prior to tonight's racemeeting he had a discussion with Mr C Fownes, trainer of the horse. He said it was felt if BREAKING POINT were to be ridden to go forward from the outside barrier, the horse might be left racing three wide and without cover carrying 133 lbs. He said it was decided to take BREAKING POINT which was stepping back up in distance to 1800 Metres tonight back to the rear to ensure the horse had cover and was properly settled. He said in the Straight BREAKING POINT closed the race off strongly. As Mr Fownes was not present at tonight's racemeeting, the Stewards will interview him prior to the races at the Sha Tin racemeeting next Sunday 8 February 2009. B Prebble (SWEET BABY) explained prior to the race he anticipated GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY might be a pace influence and if so then the race would be run at a reasonable tempo. He said after beginning well from the inside barrier he remained racing away from the rail for some distance to ensure after being crossed the tempo would not steady unreasonably which would be to his disadvantage. He said after the 1600 Metres when he noted GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY was not being ridden along to go forward, he then continued to race away from the rail and allowed initially EVERGREEN to cross him which in turn allowed DR WELL and BATURO to cross him in the lead. He said when he was aware DR WELL and BATURO were going to be the two leaders in the race, he believed the tempo would at best be moderate. He said in his opinion SWEET BABY would not have been suited racing on the rail in these circumstances where it is often difficult obtaining clear running on the fence in the Home Straight with the rail in the A position. He said SWEET BABY travelled keenly in the run and prior to straightening he felt his mount would figure in the finish. He said however in the Straight SWEET BABY did not close the race off as he would have wished and was in his opinion disappointing. SWEET BABY, DR WELL and EVERGREEN were sent for sampling.