23/12/2009  Happy Valley  Race 6

MERIDIAN PRIDE began awkwardly. VICTORY CONQUEROR began awkwardly and lost ground. From wide barriers, FERRO BEAU and GLENEALY ELITE were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Making the turn near the 1000 Metres, STAR OF FAME got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of CARS KING PRAWN which itself was steadied to allow GOOD LUCK WIN to cross. MERIDIAN PRIDE, which was following STAR OF FAME, got its head up when being checked in consequence. Near the 600 Metres, ONE WEE ACORN got its head up when racing in restricted room between STAR OF FAME and BEAUTIFUL DREAMER which got its head on the side and shifted in. Approaching the 200 Metres, CARS KING PRAWN had difficulty obtaining clear running when shifting to the outside of GRAND STORE which commenced to give ground. Approaching and passing the 200 Metres, STAR OF FAME was shifted to the outside of NOBLE MAN to obtain clear running. When questioned, B Prebble stated that GLENEALY ELITE was clearly out-paced in the early and middle stages. He said travelling along the Back Straight, he niggled at GLENEALY ELITE to have it improve its position to the inside of FERRO BEAU, however, passing the 700 Metres that horse shifted in slightly and therefore he was unable to continue to improve to its inside. He added he was reluctant at this time to shift to the outside of FERRO BEAU as he did not want to be taken unnecessarily wide rounding the Home Turn. He said passing the 600 Metres he commenced to ride it out hands and heels in order to improve its position, however, GLENEALY ELITE did not immediately respond to his riding. He said shortly after entering the Straight he commenced to shift the horse to the outside of runners, however, it took some time to respond to his riding but then made up some ground over the concluding stages. He stated, having in mind the manner in which GLENEALY ELITE raced tonight, he recommended to the connections that the horse be stepped up in distance. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of ONE WEE ACORN, D Whyte stated that the horse travelled satisfactorily until near the 600 Metres at which point it was crowded for room between STAR OF FAME and BEAUTIFUL DREAMER. He said after receiving crowding at this point, ONE WEE ACORN did not stretch out and, in his opinion, its action did not feel right in the Straight. Before being allowed to race again, ONE WEE ACORN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of GLENEALY ELITE and ONE WEE ACORN after the race did not show any significant findings. STAR OF FAME, CALIFORNIA MOON and CARS KING PRAWN were sent for sampling.