23/09/2010  Happy Valley  Race 8

JUN DAO shifted out at the start and bumped the hindquarters of SOLAR UP which became unbalanced. From wide barriers, CARS KING PRAWN, FLY HIGH and FINN MACCOOL were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Approaching the 1000 Metres, JUN DAO was steadied away from the heels of SOLAR UP (J Lloyd) which shifted in when not properly clear. J Lloyd was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. At the 200 Metres, O Doleuze (FREE AND EASY) dropped his whip. For the majority of the race, MY TIME travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the performance of SOLAR UP, J Lloyd stated that after his mount began only fairly, he was obliged to ride it along in the early stages to take up a forward position as instructed. He said making the first turn SOLAR UP proved very difficult to settle, got its head up on a number of occasions and wanted to shift out away from the fence. He added SOLAR UP continued to prove difficult to settle in the middle stages. He said he rode SOLAR UP along rounding the Home Turn, however, the horse did not respond to his riding and was most disappointing in its failure to finish off the race. He said of particular concern to him was the manner in which SOLAR UP weakened noticeably over the final 200 Metres. He said that he had ridden SOLAR UP in its work in the lead up to today’s race and, in his opinion, that work had been good and added that the horse had settled well in its work. A veterinary inspection of SOLAR UP after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of SOLAR UP was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, SOLAR UP will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. JUN DAO, JUMBO GOLD and GLENEALY STAR were sent for sampling.