02/06/2010  Happy Valley  Race 5

Shortly after the start, MR TOPAZ was steadied when crowded for room between KENOBE which shifted in after beginning awkwardly and UPSIDE OF ANGER which shifted out. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, PRIME TARGET was steadied away from the heels of FORTUNE WINNER which was taken in by BULLISH WIN which itself shifted in and away from the heels of REWARDING STAR. Passing the 200 Metres, C K Tong (PRIME TARGET) dropped his whip. Throughout the race, TRAVEL GUIDE travelled wide and without cover. The Stewards deferred the declaration of weighed-in whilst they considered if VICTORY MASCOT had been afforded a fair start. After viewing the official videos, it was ascertained that as the start was effected, VICTORY MASCOT reared of its own accord and lost a considerable amount of ground. Accordingly, the Stewards deemed VICTORY MASCOT had been afforded a fair start and was therefore declared a runner. Before being allowed to race again, VICTORY MASCOT will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial. When questioned, J Lloyd (UPSIDE OF ANGER) stated that he had been instructed to ride the horse behind the speed in about 4th or 5th position if possible. He said shortly after the start he observed a considerable number of horses drawn both inside and outside of UPSIDE OF ANGER being aggressively ridden to obtain forward positions, therefore he shifted UPSIDE OF ANGER in across behind runners to obtain a position with cover. He said when the tempo of the race steadied passing the 1300 Metres, UPSIDE OF ANGER proved very difficult to settle, got its head up on a number of occasions and shifted out. He said as he was attempting to shift back in to a one-off position, he observed that MR TOPAZ had improved its position to be racing on his inside, UPSIDE OF ANGER was therefore obliged to race three wide and further back in the field than had been anticipated. He said after this UPSIDE OF ANGER continued to prove very difficult to settle and because of this was not able to finish off the race. A veterinary inspection of UPSIDE OF ANGER after the race did not show any significant findings. VICTORY MASCOT, BELIEVE IN CHANGE and KENOBE were sent for sampling.