18/11/2009  Happy Valley  Race 4

As the start was effected, both VICTORY MASCOT and BREAKING POINT lifted their front feet off the ground and consequently were slow to begin. FANTASTIC GUY was also slow to begin. SOMETHING SPECIAL began awkwardly. Near the 2000 Metres, GALAXEE was restrained away from the heels of GOLDEN BALL (O Doleuze) which shifted in. O Doleuze was reprimanded and advised to ensure he is sufficiently clear. SOMETHING SPECIAL, which was following, got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of GALAXEE. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, SURE GAIN was slow to muster speed. Also in the early stages, FANTASTIC GUY raced wide and without cover. Near the 1900 Metres, VISIONARIO became unbalanced when racing tight inside GALAXEE. Near the 1500 Metres, GOLDEN BALL got its head up when being checked away from the heels of OCTAGONAL CANYON which was being steadied to allow SWEET BABY to cross. In this incident, GOLDEN BALL shifted in and crowded VISIONARIO. Near the 1300 Metres, VISIONARIO became unbalanced when briefly crowded for room inside OCTAGONAL CANYON. After the 1100 Metres, SURE GAIN was left racing wide and without cover. Approaching the 800 Metres, SOMETHING SPECIAL, which was proving difficult to settle, was checked away from the heels of SURE GAIN. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of GALAXEE, G Cheyne stated that he had been instructed to have the horse racing in midfield or slightly in front of midfield if possible. He said after obtaining that position in the early stages, GALAXEE was shuffled back through the field which resulted in the horse racing further back than had been anticipated. He said GALAXEE then followed the eventual winner VICTORY MASCOT throughout the race, however, when placed under pressure in the Straight could not sprint and finished off the race only one-paced. A veterinary inspection of SWEET BABY and GALAXEE after the race did not show any significant findings. VICTORY MASCOT and FANTASTIC GUY were sent for sampling.