16/09/2009  Happy Valley  Race 8

BEAR MACHO began awkwardly. SUNNY GOLF was crowded for room shortly after the start between NORMAN INVADER and OUR LUCKY BABY which shifted out after beginning awkwardly. Shortly after entering the Back Straight, ULTRA FANTASY was crowded for room inside PERFECT STYLE which shifted in momentarily. Making the turn near the 550 Metres, SUNNY GOLF got its head on the side and hung out. Shortly after entering the Straight, FOREVER ELATION shifted in and bumped the hindquarters of ULTRA FANTASY. BEAR MACHO was unable to secure clear running until passing the 200 Metres. Both ISLAND SPEED and KUNG FU travelled wide and without cover throughout the race. A veterinary inspection of NORMAN INVADER after the race did not show any significant findings. OUR LUCKY BABY and ULTRA FANTASY were sent for sampling. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of PERFECT STYLE, B Prebble stated that the horse sweated up noticeably both in the Parade Ring and behind the barriers. He added that after speaking with the horse’s trainer, Mr C Fownes, it was decided to ride the horse slightly more forward than usual in order to take advantage of the manner in which the track was racing that night. He said the horse may not have appreciated being ridden in this fashion as it did not finish off its race as expected. He also added that in his opinion PERFECT STYLE would be suited by a track which had more give in it than it did on this occasion.