26/01/2011  Happy Valley  Race 3

FULL STAR was slow to begin. NICKU began awkwardly, shifted out and bumped JOLLY WONGCHOY, resulting in both horses becoming unbalanced. NICKU was then ridden along to obtain a forward position, however, was not able to muster speed and consequently raced back in the field in the early stages. When being steadied to obtain a position with cover passing the winning post on the first occasion, KING ON EARTH got its head up and proved very difficult to settle. KING ON EARTH then raced ungenerously near the 1200 Metres and shifted out when being checked away from the heels of MY WAY and in doing so made contact with the hindquarters of NICKU. After this, NICKU was checked away from the heels of MASTER DREAMER for some distance and when racing ungenerously shifted out near the 900 Metres and was then allowed to stride forward. However, NICKU travelled wide and without cover for the remainder of the race. MASTER DREAMER travelled wide and without cover until after the 700 Metres. When being shifted to the outside of NICKU passing the 300 Metres, CLASSA was momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of that horse. Near the 100 Metres, JOLLY WONGCHOY, which was commencing to give ground, was steadied away from the heels of WIN-A-LOT (M Guyon) which shifted out. M Guyon was advised to exercise care. Passing the 50 Metres, MY WAY was shifted to the inside of the heels of CLASSA to continue improving. A veterinary inspection of JOLLY WONGCHOY after the race did not show any significant findings. The Veterinary Officer reported that following the race SUPER GURU was found to have a trace of blood at the left nostril. An endoscopic examination of SUPER GURU revealed the horse to have scoped clean, therefore SUPER GURU was not deemed to be a bleeder. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that STEEL NERVES had lost its left front plate. MY WAY, WIN A DOZEN and SOLDIER were sent for sampling.