27/05/2009  Happy Valley  Race 4

Prior to leaving the holding stables, LUCKY MONEY STAR had its right hind plate refitted. LUCKY MONEY STAR was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. BATURO, which was restless in the stalls, was slow into stride. ZEPHYRUS was slow into stride. On jumping, ROYAL PORTRAIT was taken back. At the 1900 Metres, ROCKALOT got its head up when being checked away from the heels of SAMBUOYANT which steadied to allow WONG’S FAVOURITE to cross. Entering the Straight on the first occasion, LOHAN was steadied away from the heels of VISIONARIO. Approaching the 1600 Metres, LOHAN was steadied when awkwardly placed inside the heels of VISIONARIO which when improving towards the inside of OCTAGONAL CANYON was carried in by that runner which got its head on the side and shifted in. For some distance after this, OCTAGONAL CANYON continued to hang in. At the 1100 Metres, LOHAN was steadied away from the heels of VISIONARIO. On several occasions between the 600 Metres and on straightening, ZEPHYRUS, which was inclined to lay in, was steadied away from the heels of LUCKY MONEY STAR which was shifting out. For the major part of the Home Straight, ROCKALOT had difficulty obtaining clear running and near the 100 Metres became unbalanced when crowded for room between SAMBUOYANT and ZEPHYRUS, both of which shifted ground. Near the 250 Metres, D Whyte (VISIONARIO) dropped his whip. BATURO was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of BATURO after the race did not show any significant findings. VISIONARIO, VANQUISH DELIGHT and OCTAGONAL CANYON were sent for sampling.