Recap by phillip woo

Willie Way still got up to win going away 100m out despite having to switch off heels at the 250m after having his momentum stopped when checking between runners at the 400m. He was suited by the pace but is now three-for-three and with points in hand on this surface. Smashed late in betting, Turin Pearl never got closer than three deep travelling near the speed without cover until the 800m but still kept on gamely for second. He's always a chance on this surface. White Magic enjoyed a lovely run on the back of a the leaders, bumped Willie Way when pulling out rounding the final bend, hit the lead 150m out and found a couple too good in the end. He's turned the corner in his past three starts over this surface and trip but the big weight was a hurdle on this occasion. Apollo's Choice ran on without menacing after travelling fore of midfield. He's had a disappointing campaign but has dropped to a dangerous mark and appeared to enjoy the wet going. Deja Vu didn't finish all that far away after working forward without cover from a wide gate to press the pace three deep. The mile's the right trip but he needs to draw a gate. Favourite Red Marvel was on his tippy toes 200m out after getting pestered for the lead through swift fractions. He had excuses.

Racing Incident Report

Race Seven: (739)-HAPPY VALLEY CLUBHOUSE HANDICAP - Class 3 - 1650Metres

TRAVEL FIRST was withdrawn on 17.6.17 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right hind).

Before being allowed to race again, TRAVEL FIRST will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

HEHA BOY began only fairly and shortly after the start raced tight inside WILLIE WAY which was taken in by WHITE MAGIC.

CELESTIAL ARROW began awkwardly.

From the outside barrier, LUCKY DAY was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

Passing the winning post on the first occasion, WHITE MAGIC was awkwardly placed close to the heels of GRAND HARBOUR.

CELESTIAL ARROW got its head on the side and lay out for some distance approaching and passing the 1400 Metres.

HEHA BOY lost its right front plate after the 800 Metres.

Near the 450 Metres, GRAND HARBOUR raced tight between DEJA VU and RED MARVEL.

For some distance after the 400 Metres, WILLIE WAY was held up for clear running after attempting to improve between WHITE MAGIC and TURIN PEARL where there was insufficient room.

WILLIE WAY was then shifted to the outside of TURIN PEARL after the 300 Metres to obtain clear running.

When questioned, Apprentice H N Wong stated that after being instructed to go forward on DEJA VU, he was left racing four wide and without cover in the early stages.

He said after the 1000 Metres he rode his mount forward of TURIN PEARL to cross that horse in an attempt to race in a three wide position.

He said he had to ride DEJA VU along for some distance to achieve this as the horse took some time to be in a position to cross TURIN PEARL.

He said after crossing that horse near the 800 Metres he continued to ride DEJA VU along as he did not want that horse, which had taken some riding, to lose ground in front of TURIN PEARL which would result in that horse being awkwardly placed behind DEJA VU.

He said for this reason he continued to niggle at his horse until after making the turn near the 700 Metres at which time he was able to briefly stop riding.

Apprentice Wong was advised that whilst the Stewards took no issue with him riding DEJA VU forward of TURIN PEARL to obtain a position closer to the rail, they were of the view that in the circumstances he should have attempted to steady DEJA VU so that that horse did not have to be continually ridden along.

He was further advised that the Stewards were also of the opinion that there appeared to be no indication that DEJA VU was going to lose ground in front of TURIN PEARL and cause interference to that horse and therefore he must, wherever possible, ride his mounts in such a manner so that they can finish off their race as best as they are able.

After the race, J Moreira reported that RED MARVEL, on the wet slow surface today, was challenged in the lead by GRAND HARBOUR which was unlike at its most recent start when the horse was able to enjoy an easier lead.

He said because of the circumstances of the race RED MARVEL did not finish off the race as expected.

A veterinary inspection of RED MARVEL immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

A veterinary inspection of GIANT TURTLE and GRAND HARBOUR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.

RED MARVEL, WILLIE WAY and TURIN PEARL were sent for sampling.