23/01/2013  Happy Valley  Race 8

CIRCUIT STAR and PACKING CROSS bumped at the start. Despite being vigorously ridden along in the early stages, JIMSON THE BEST failed to muster speed and consequently raced back in the field. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, GALAXY PRANCER was momentarily crowded for room inside CIRCUIT STAR. Passing the 400 Metres, CIRCUIT STAR was awkwardly placed close to the heels of TREASURE GOLD. Rounding the Home Turn, LET’S GOAL raced close to the heels of STEP FASTER. Near the 200 Metres, STEP FASTER was shifted in away from the heels of FAY DEEP. After this, STEP FASTER raced in restricted room between FAY DEEP and GALAXY PRANCER. On a number of occasions in the Straight, TREASURE GOLD shifted ground. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of ABSOLUTE FANTASY, Y T Cheng stated that the pace of the race in the early stages was faster than that of recent races when the horse had been successful. He said because of the circumstances of tonight’s race, he was not able to obtain a position with cover and consequently was obliged to race three wide and without cover throughout the race. He said even though the circumstances of the race in the early and middle stages did not favour ABSOLUTE FANTASY, nonetheless the horse came under pressure prior to the 500 Metres to hold its position. He said despite being ridden along, ABSOLUTE FANTASY did not respond to his riding at any stage and in the Straight gave ground noticeably. He added that he had ridden ABSOLUTE FANTASY in its final gallop prior to tonight’s race and, in his opinion, that gallop was good. A veterinary inspection of ABSOLUTE FANTASY after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of ABSOLUTE FANTASY, which had won its three most recent races, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, ABSOLUTE FANTASY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that FAY DEEP had lost its left front plate and that TREASURE GOLD was lame in the left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, TREASURE GOLD will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. GALAXY PRANCER, CIRCUIT STAR and STEP FASTER were sent for sampling.