15/12/2010  Happy Valley  Race 5

SABINA, which was fractious in the stall, began awkwardly and shortly after the start was steadied when crowded for room between BUMPER STRIKE and FERRABOSCO which shifted in. HOW WONDERFUL was slow to begin and a short distance after the start was crowded for room between MEDIC FORTUNE and COMPACT YARN which got its head on the side and shifted out. After this, HOW WONDERFUL was taken across behind runners. Near the 1300 Metres, COMPACT YARN was steadied away from the heels of WARM EMBRACES. Near the 800 Metres, WONDERFUL GAINS improved into tight running to the inside of REDOUTE STAR. For some distance after this, WONDERFUL GAINS raced in restricted room to the inside of REDOUTE STAR and near the 600 Metres was steadied when that horse shifted in slightly. For some distance passing the 500 Metres, BUMPER STRIKE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of WARM EMBRACES which was commencing to give ground. Throughout the race, COMPACT YARN travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, T Angland (WONDERFUL GAINS) stated that in the early part of the Straight he was travelling some distance behind COMPACT YARN and LOTUS LOVE. He said near the 200 Metres whilst a run had developed between LOTUS LOVE and COMPACT YARN, he elected to shift to the outside of COMPACT YARN to continue improving rather than risk going in between those horses in the event the run closed. He said at no time when he was shifting to the outside of COMPACT YARN did WONDERFUL GAINS lose momentum and at all stages he was able to fully test his mount. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SABINA, Z Purton stated that his mount travelled well throughout the race. He said although he was racing three wide, SABINA had cover and he felt that it was better to remain racing in the three wide line rather than be caught closer to the fence as he was wary of horses giving ground due to the good tempo of the race. He said however that when tested in the Straight, SABINA was most disappointing in its failure to respond to his riding. A veterinary inspection of SABINA after the race did not show any significant findings. REDOUTE STAR, HOW WONDERFUL and MY WAY were sent for sampling.