31/03/2010  Happy Valley  Race 5

ASIAN CITRUS began very awkwardly, shifted in and was checked away from the heels of CARISSIMA. When being steadied shortly after the start, ELEGANT WIN got its head up on a number of occasions. Making the turn near the 1000 Metres, PERFECT SPRINT was checked when crowded for room between ELEGANT WIN and CONFUCIUS CLASSIC (M Chadwick) which shifted in. M Chadwick explained that just prior to this incident, his saddle shifted slightly to the right, resulting in him becoming badly unbalanced in the saddle. He said making the first turn he attempted to rectify the position of his saddle as well as shift CONFUCIUS CLASSIC out as he was aware that PERFECT SPRINT was racing to the inside of his heels. He said despite his efforts to prevent CONFUCIUS CLASSIC shifting in, he was unable to prevent the horse’s movement inwards. The Stewards accepted that, in the circumstances, M Chadwick had made sufficient effort to prevent CONFUCIUS CLASSIC shifting ground, therefore no further action was taken. When caught wide towards the rear of the field in the early stages, INVINCIBLEKINDNESS was allowed to stride forward making the 1000 Metre turn in an endeavour to obtain a position with cover, however, INVINCIBLEKINDNESS was left racing wide and without cover for the remainder of the race. For a considerable distance passing the 800 Metres, CARISSIMA, which was over-racing, was checked away from the heels of MASTER RIO. HANDSOME BATCHELOR, which was following CARISSIMA, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse as a consequence. Approaching the 200 Metres, TOPPING LIGHT, which had been disappointed for a run to the inside of BONDI LAD, shifted out to obtain clear running. Near the 150 Metres, ELEGANT WIN was shifted out away from the heels of CONFUCIUS CLASSIC. Over the final 100 Metres, POLYGOLD was held up for clear running and consequently was not ridden out to the end of the race. A veterinary inspection of ASIAN CITRUS after the race did not show any significant findings. TOPPING LIGHT and MASTER RIO were sent for sampling.