23/09/2010  Happy Valley  Race 1

Shortly after the start, TRANSCENDENCE and INFALLIBLE CHOICE bumped. As a result, TRANSCENDENCE shifted out, resulting in BLESS US ALL being momentarily crowded for room inside MAGIC KING which also shifted in slightly. At the 600 Metres, ACTUARIAL TALENT was steadied away from the heels of MUSTANG and shifted out. For some distance passing the 600 Metres, BLUE MAGIC proved difficult to settle and was steadied away from the heels of INFALLIBLE CHOICE. In the early part of the Straight, ACTUARIAL TALENT got its head on the side and lay out. In the Straight, BLUE MAGIC hung in and proved difficult to ride and over the concluding stages shifted in towards the running rail and became unbalanced. Throughout the race, SEIZE THE DAY and LEAD THE PROSPECTS travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, B Prebble stated that as MUSTANG had performed disappointingly at its most recent start when ridden in a forward position and with the blinkers taken off today, it had been decided that the horse should be ridden more quietly in the hope that it would be able to finish off the race. He said that in the early stages he attempted to hold the position behind BLESS US ALL which he considered to be a strong chance in the race. He said he rode MUSTANG along passing the 800 Metres to maintain this position, however, with the blinkers removed today, MUSTANG was somewhat reluctant to hold its position despite his urgings. He said making the turn near the 600 Metres MUSTANG lost ground when crowded for room between TRANSCENDENCE and POWER AND GOLD, both of which shifted ground. He said when ridden quietly today, MUSTANG settled better than it had at its most recent starts and because of this the horse was able to finish off the race well. MOUNT SURPLUS and BLUE MAGIC were sent for sampling. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that BLUE MAGIC had bled from both nostrils and was distressed and that MUSTANG had blood in its mouth.