13/10/2010  Happy Valley  Race 4

Just prior to the gates being released, BLEDISLOE became fractious and was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, POLYGOLD raced tight between OPEN SESAME and NORDIC STAR which shifted out. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, CLASSA SUPREME did not muster sufficient speed to cross runners to its inside and consequently when left racing wide passing the 1200 Metres was shifted in to a position behind OPEN SESAME with cover. When racing wide passing the winning post on the first occasion, KOENIGSBERG was taken across behind runners near the 1200 Metres in order to obtain a position closer to the fence. Passing the 500 Metres, NEW IDEA became unbalanced when awkwardly placed close to the heels of HANDSOME BATCHELOR. HO HO LIFE had some difficulty obtaining clear running approaching and passing the 200 Metres. Throughout the race, OPEN SESAME travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight finished tailed out. The performance of OPEN SESAME was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, OPEN SESAME will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned, Y T Cheng stated that it was felt that there was good speed in the race which may spread the field and present an opportunity for HAPPY CHA CHA to overcome its wide barrier and obtain a position with cover forward of midfield. He said he followed CLASSA SUPREME forward in the early stages as he felt that that horse would be one of the front runners in the race. He said however CLASSA SUPREME did not show its usual speed and because of this HAPPY CHA CHA was left racing wide due to the compressed nature of the field. He said after the 1000 Metres HAPPY CHA CHA was left racing in a four wide position without cover when CLASSA SUPREME shifted in behind OPEN SESAME. He said for this reason rather than remain racing wide, he elected to allow HAPPY CHA CHA to stride forward along the Back Straight to obtain a position closer to the rail. A veterinary inspection of OPEN SESAME, HANDSOME BATCHELOR and NORDIC STAR after the race did not show any significant findings. NEW IDEA and HO HO LIFE were sent for sampling.