24/02/2010  Happy Valley  Race 5

From a wide gate, IRISH JIG was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, BLUE SKY was awkwardly placed close to the heels of FLUKE. Passing the 600 Metres, SOVIET PEARL, which was racing tight to the inside of FLUKE which shifted in slightly, got its head up and was checked when reluctant to maintain its position to the inside of that horse. MY HOME TOWN, which was following, was checked in consequence. Throughout the race, WHITE JADE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, J Lloyd (SOVIET PEARL) stated that approaching the 250 Metres he intended to obtain a run to the inside of SILVER SUN. He said however that horse commenced to shift in slightly when weakening, therefore he elected to shift to that horse’s outside to obtain clear running. He said as he did this, SILVER SUN was straightened by its rider, obliging him to steady SOVIET PEARL away from the heels of that horse before shifting out and continuing to improve his position. A veterinary inspection of REDRAGTOABULL after the race did not show any significant findings. BLUE SKY and DUMBARTON ROCK were sent for sampling.