08/12/2010  Happy Valley  Race 2

On arrival at the Start, SUNSHINE BOY had its left front plate refitted. SUNSHINE BOY was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said, in his opinion, it was suitable to race. As the start was effected, ALL VICTORY lifted its front feet off the ground and lost a considerable amount of ground. Before being allowed to race again, ALL VICTORY will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. Also as the start was effected, GLOBAL RULER lifted its front feet off the ground and was slow to begin. From the outside barrier, GOOD LOOKING WATCH was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Shortly after the start, FORTUNE SPIRIT and SUPERIOR WARRIOR bumped. FORTUNE SPIRIT then shifted in and made contact with CHINA GOOD. Near the 900 Metres, FIONN’S DRAGON proved very difficult to settle and got its head up when being checked away from the heels of CHINA GOOD. Passing the 900 Metres, FORTUNE SPIRIT was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SURFER BOY. Shortly after entering into the Straight, FIONN’S DRAGON, which had its head on the side, shifted in when awkwardly placed close to the heels of SURFER BOY. After this, FIONN’S DRAGON continued to race with its head on the side and lay in and then near the 100 Metres shifted in away from the heels of SUPERIOR WARRIOR and in doing so bumped CHINA GOOD. Throughout the race, COSMO SUCCESSOR travelled wide and without cover and near the 200 Metres COSMO SUCCESSOR, which was giving ground, was steadied away from the heels of SUNSHINE BOY (G Cheyne) which shifted out. G Cheyne was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he makes every effort to straighten his mounts in similar circumstances. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of DUKE’S VICTORY, T Angland stated that the horse was able to obtain a forward position in the early stages, however, the pace quickened from the 800 Metres and DUKE’S VICTORY was left somewhat flat-footed. He said for this reason he allowed CHINA GOOD to cross DUKE’S VICTORY passing the 800 Metres. He added DUKE’S VICTORY continued to travel well, however, when clear running presented itself at the entrance to the Straight, DUKE’S VICTORY did not sprint as it did at its first up run this reason, rather the horse finished off the race only one-paced. A veterinary inspection of DUKE’S VICTORY after the race did not show any significant findings. CHINA GOOD, SURFER BOY and FIONN’S DRAGON were sent for sampling.