02/12/2009  Happy Valley  Race 1

From the outside barrier, WINNING STRATEGY was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Also shortly after the start, MONTY was steadied when crowded for room between MAXIMUM CHARM and PRIMIATA which shifted out. Making the turn near the 600 Metres, MUTUAL GAIN shifted out when being steadied away from the heels of PRIMIATA. Also making the turn at the 600 Metres, MONTY was steadied away from the heels of FORTUNE GALLOP. After this, MONTY got its head on the side and hung out. Over the final 200 Metres, MONTY was unable to obtain clear running and consequently was not able to be tested. When questioned, D Whyte stated that he had been instructed to ride SCOOT DA LOOT in around 4th or 5th position. He said that accordingly he did not push SCOOT DA LOOT along in the early stages, he was unable to obtain cover on the horse and consequently it travelled wide and without cover throughout. Mr T K Ng, trainer of SCOOT DA LOOT, stated that, in his opinion, from barrier 10 too much use would have to be made of the horse to cross runners drawn to its inside to lead. He said further that in the past SCOOT DA LOOT had failed to negotiate turns and hung out badly. He said for this reason he instructed D Whyte not to push the horse along in the early stages, but rather to obtain a position with cover behind the leaders if possible. A veterinary inspection of ACTIVE VALOUR after the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being permitted to race again, ACTIVE VALOUR will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SCOOT DA LOOT, FEEL-SO-GOOD and WINNING AHEAD were sent for sampling.