27/02/2008  Happy Valley  Race 8

CONGRATS and SOUTH DAKOTA were slow to begin. DISGUISE was slow to begin and then slow to muster speed despite being ridden along. After passing the winning post on the first occasion, SING FAY FAY was steadied away from the heels of BOLD WIN. After the 800 Metres, CONGRATS was crowded for room inside TOM'S SIX which at this time when proving difficult to settle improved towards the inside of DISGUISE. Making the turn at the 600 Metres, DISGUISE was held up and unable to improve when racing inside OPERATION SECRET and behind SING FAY FAY. For the major part of the race, OPERATION SECRET travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the performance of TOM'S SIX, B Prebble said the horse travelled keenly in a slowly run race. He said passing the 1100 Metres TOM'S SIX got its head up and became unbalanced when being steadied away from the heels of DISGUISE, then after the 800 Metres was again steadied away from the heels of DISGUISE. He said making the turn at the 600 Metres DISGUISE was not able to improve its position, he therefore near the 500 Metres shifted to the outside of that horse in an endeavour to ensure he had clear running in the Home Straight. He said the manner in which the race was run meant that TOM'S SIX was not able to close off over the top of other runners. TOM'S SIX was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of TOM'S SIX after the race did not show any significant findings. SOUNDS BEST and FAT DRAGON were sent for sampling. After the race, it was reported CONGRATS had bled from both nostrils. Also after the race, an endoscopic examination was carried out on SOUTH DAKOTA at the request of Trainer A S Cruz. The Veterinary Officer said this examination confirmed SOUTH DAKOTA to be a "roarer".