26/06/2013  Happy Valley  Race 6

FREE AND EASY was withdrawn from this race on raceday afternoon as it was identified that the horse, which had not raced since 28 March 2012, had not participated in a barrier trial since that time. The Rules of Racing provide that any horse which has not run in a race for twelve months is required to pass a barrier trial before it is able to compete in a race. After being loaded, CHARITY JOY became fractious. Before being allowed to race again, CHARITY JOY will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. As the start was effected, PEARL STAR lifted its front feet off the ground and consequently was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, EASTERN PROMISE and AMEDEO bumped as a result of DOUBLE MASTER being taken out by THE PRINCE. A short distance after this, DOUBLE MASTER had to be steadied when crowded for room between AMEDEO and THE PRINCE. From the outside barrier, WINDICATOR POWER was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Throughout the race, EASTERN PROMISE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, D Whyte (CROESUS) stated that after making the turn passing the 600 Metres he had intended to keep his options open to either shift to the outside of AMEDEO rounding the Home Turn or obtain runs between horses should they eventuate. He said near the 500 Metres he was following TOMODACHI and just to the inside of the heels of AMEDEO. He said at this time AMEDEO appeared to come off the bridle and shifted out slightly and as CROESUS was travelling strongly, the horse improved to be racing to the inside of the heels of AMEDEO. He added rounding the Home Turn he would have had to steady CROESUS to shift that horse out around the heels of AMEDEO and as that horse appeared to be under heavy pressure and at the same time TOMODACHI appeared to be travelling well, he elected not to steady CROESUS and shift out but rather to follow TOMODACHI rounding the Home Turn and in the early part of the Straight and shift his mount to the outside when AMEDEO gave ground as he anticipated it would. He said however that AMEDEO, despite being under heavy pressure, maintained its position to the outside of TOMODACHI which also came under pressure a short distance after entering the Straight and shifted out, resulting in CROESUS being steadied when initially disappointed for running between AMEDEO and TOMODACHI. He added for some distance after this CROESUS raced in restricted room inside AMEDEO and after making contact with AMEDEO passing the 200 Metres when that horse shifted in away from WINDICATOR POWER, he was then obliged to shift CROESUS out across the heels of WINDICATOR POWER which hung in and was barely clear of CROESUS. After considering D Whyte’s explanation and after reviewing the videos, the Stewards accepted his explanation. When questioned, C W Wong stated that he had been instructed to obtain as forward a position as possible on ALL VICTORY and if possible obtain a position on the rail and then take inside runs in the Straight. He said despite being vigorously ridden along the Back Straight, ALL VICTORY did not show any early speed and consequently raced towards the rear of the field. He said he continued to ride the horse along aggressively in an endeavour to have it improve its position, however, ALL VICTORY did not travel well and was always off the bridle. He added approaching and rounding the Home Turn ALL VICTORY got its head on the side and hung out and then in the Straight, despite being ridden out, did not respond to his riding and failed to finish off the race. He said he had not used the whip on ALL VICTORY in the Straight as the horse was well beaten and was not closing off the race. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that DOUBLE MASTER had lost its left front plate. A veterinary inspection of TOMODACHI immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. THE PRINCE and HAWTHORNE were sent for sampling.