26/01/2011  Happy Valley  Race 7

LEO’S PRIDE was slow to begin. DALKAN began awkwardly. After being vigorously ridden along in the early stages to obtain a forward position, BEST MILITARY proved difficult to settle when being steadied shortly after the start when unable to continue to improve. Passing the 1200 Metres, BEST MILITARY got its head up in the air and proved very difficult to settle when being steadied away from the heels of KICK SERVE. LEO’S PRIDE, which was following BEST MILITARY, was steadied in consequence, resulting in UPGRADING, which was following LEO’S PRIDE, being checked. Rounding the Home Turn, BEST MILITARY was taken wider by UPGRADING which shifted out to improve. Approaching the 200 Metres, DALKAN was steadied when crowded for room between VILASOL and BUTTERFIELD, both of which shifted ground. LEO’S PRIDE was not able to obtain clear running over the final 200 Metres. Because of this, LEO’S PRIDE was not properly tested. When LEO’S PRIDE was attempting to obtain clear running, it shifted in and bumped STRAWBERRY which became unbalanced. Throughout the race, BUTTERFIELD travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, G Mossé stated that THE UNTOUCHABLELAD hung in in the Straight. He said despite this he was able to ride the horse out until passing the 100 Metres at which time VILASOL shifted out from his inside and UPGRADING which was improving past him on his outside at this time shifted in. He said as THE UNTOUCHABLELAD was continuing to hang in and as the horse was racing in restricted room, he was not able to adequately test it between the 100 Metres and the 50 Metres. LEO’S PRIDE, KICK SERVE and AMITYSHIP were sent for sampling.