09/02/2011  Happy Valley  Race 2

PINOT NOIR began awkwardly and lost ground at the start. SNITZEL KID shifted out at the start, resulting in SURFER BOY being crowded out onto ASIAN CITRUS. Shortly after the start, EASY GOLD was crowded for room between MAKE IT and DIAMOND RAINBOW which shifted in. At the 1000 Metres, WASABISABI was momentarily crowded for room between SNITZEL KID and DIAMOND RAINBOW. Near the 900 Metres, LINKED WIN became unbalanced when awkwardly placed close to the heels of CAGA BOY. PINOT NOIR, which was following, was hampered in consequence. Passing the 50 Metres, SURFER BOY was struck over the nose by the whip of H W Lai (MAKE IT). After this, SURFER BOY raced in restricted room between SNITZEL KID and MAKE IT. When questioned, G Mossé stated that he had been instructed to ride SURFER BOY in 3rd or 4th position with cover if possible. He said after being hampered by SNITZEL KID at the start, he rode SURFER BOY along to take up a forward position as instructed. He said passing the 1100 Metres there was an opportunity for him to shift across to race behind BRILLIANT ONE which at this time was being steadied by its rider. He said he elected not to shift across behind that horse as he felt that were he to do so, it would have resulted in SURFER BOY racing further back in the field than had been intended. He said that for this reason he elected to remain racing in a three wide position outside BRILLIANT ONE and initially behind WASABISABI. He added that approaching the 600 Metres SURFER BOY was then left racing without cover when SUPERIOR WARRIOR shifted across towards the fence. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of WASABISABI, D Beadman stated that the horse travelled very well until making the turn passing the 600 Metres. He said at this time WASABISABI came under pressure to maintain its position behind DIAMOND RAINBOW and when SURFER BOY improved around WASABISABI rounding the Home Turn, the horse commenced to give ground and was most disappointing in its failure to respond to his riding in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of WASABISABI after the race did not show any significant findings. SNITZEL KID and MAKE IT were sent for sampling.