26/05/2010  Happy Valley  Race 1

WINNING PAL was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, GALAXEE and FEEL THE FUN were crowded for room between BRAVO HORSE and GREAT SHOW, both of which shifted ground. Rounding the Home Turn, SOLAR WONDER was steadied away from the heels of SHATIN TREASURE. In this incident, SOLAR WONDER made contact with the hindquarters of SPEED AND GOLD which became unbalanced. Near the 250 Metres, SOLAR WONDER was bumped by GREAT SHOW which shifted out to obtain clear running. A short distance later, SOLAR WONDER and SPEED AND GOLD made contact, resulting in SOLAR WONDER shifting in across the heels of GREAT SHOW and being hampered. GALAXEE, which was following SOLAR WONDER, was steadied away from the heels of that horse in consequence. Approaching the 100 Metres, MAXIMUM CHARM was steadied away from the heels of FEEL THE FUN which shifted in slightly. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SOLAR WONDER, O Doleuze stated that even with the step up in distance to 1800 Metres, it had been anticipated that the horse would race in the second half of the field. He said however that the horse began extremely well and therefore raced in a more forward position than had been hoped. He said when racing with the visor applied for the first time tonight, SOLAR WONDER raced keenly throughout the event and because of this was not able to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of SOLAR WONDER after the race did not show any significant findings. HEALTHY CONTENDER, GREAT SHOW and WINNING PAL were sent for sampling.