26/05/2010  Happy Valley  Race 2

GREAT FANTASY began awkwardly. From wide barriers, ABLE DRAGON and LUCKY TYCOON were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 550 Metres, LOTUS LOVE was reluctant to maintain its position inside HOME WITH GLORY. Passing the 200 Metres, Apprentice K C Leung (WIN A DOZEN) dropped his left rein. Throughout the race, BLADE FORCE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the performance of WARM EMBRACES, B Prebble stated that the horse was a little fractious in the barriers and when the gates opened began very awkwardly and sprawled, losing some ground He said in the early part of the race WARM EMBRACES` action did not feel entirely comfortable, however, approaching the winning post on the first occasion the horse`s action improved. He said for a short distance near the 1300 Metres WARM EMBRACES was reluctant to improve its position to be racing inside ABLE DRAGON and then after this travelled only fairly. He said he was obliged to ride his mount along for some distance approaching and passing the 1000 Metres to have it travel better. He said when placed under full pressure, WARM EMBRACES was disappointing in that it failed to close off the race. A veterinary inspection of WARM EMBRACES after the race revealed that horse was stiff in its action behind. Before being allowed to race again, WARM EMBRACES will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. WARM EMBRACES, TOY STORY and HOME WITH GLORY were sent for sampling.