09/05/2018  Happy Valley  Race 2

NUMERO UNO, which was fractious in the barriers, was slow to begin and shortly after the start was steadied away from the heels of YOUNG EMPIRE which shifted out. VICTORY POWER began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped ZERO HEDGE which shifted in and bumped ROOKIE STAR. ORIENTAL ELITE was crowded for room on jumping between MARVEL JOY and BUOYANT BOY which shifted out. Then from wide barriers, BUOYANT BOY, ORIENTAL ELITE and MARVEL JOY were all shifted across behind runners. For a considerable distance in the early stages, SEVENTY SEVENTY got its head up when being steadied to obtain cover. After the 1100 Metres, ROOKIE STAR commenced to prove difficult to settle and shifted out across the heels of VICTORY POWER. Making the turn near the 900 Metres, NUMERO UNO was steadied when crowded for room inside VICTORY POWER which shifted in marginally when awkwardly placed close to the heels of ZERO HEDGE which was steadied to allow BEAUT BEAUT to cross. In this incident, NUMERO UNO shifted out and inconvenienced ROOKIE STAR. After this, ROOKIE STAR proved very difficult to settle and approaching the 800 Metres got its head up when being checked away from the heels of GOOD COMPANION. After the 900 Metres, BEAUT BEAUT got its head up on a number of occasions when travelling keenly. Making the turn near the 550 Metres, ROOKIE STAR got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of GOOD COMPANION. Rounding the Home Turn, MARVEL JOY was awkwardly placed outside the heels of ORIENTAL ELITE (D Whyte) which shifted out to obtain clear running. D Whyte was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that he is properly clear when shifting ground in similar circumstances. VICTORY POWER had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. From on straightening until near the 100 Metres, SEVENTY SEVENTY lay in and proved difficult to ride. Passing the 400 Metres, YOUNG EMPIRE raced tight inside BEAUT BEAUT which shifted in. Approaching the 200 Metres, ROOKIE STAR was awkwardly placed close to the heels of NUMERO UNO which was directed out by VICTORY POWER. ROOKIE STAR then raced in restricted room between NUMERO UNO and GOOD COMPANION passing the 200 Metres. Throughout the race, ROYAL PREROGATIVE travelled wide and without cover. A veterinary inspection of MARVEL JOY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SEVENTY SEVENTY, ZERO HEDGE and VICTORY POWER were sent for sampling.