30/03/2011  Happy Valley  Race 5

JUGGERNAUT was crowded for room at the start between GILDED FLIGHT and ROMANCING TAMAR which was taken out by BLADE FORCE which in turn was taken out by SURE FORWARD which shifted out after beginning awkwardly. After this, JUGGERNAUT was allowed to stride forward to obtain a forward position, however, throughout the race travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. The performance of JUGGERNAUT, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, JUGGERNAUT will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. From a wide barrier, ROMANCING TAMAR was taken across behind runners shortly after the start and passing the 1500 Metres became unbalanced when awkwardly placed close to the heels of SURE FORWARD when being taken across behind that horse. Near the 1200 Metres, GILDED FLIGHT got its head up when being restrained. In the early part of the Straight, ROMANCING TAMAR had difficulty obtaining clear running between SURE FORWARD and LOTUS LOVE. Then passing the 200 Metres, ROMANCING TAMAR was steadied when crowded for room between SURE FORWARD and LOTUS LOVE which, when giving ground, got its head on the side and shifted out. In this incident, ROMANCING TAMAR bumped the hindquarters of SURE FORWARD which became unbalanced. At the 200 Metres, CLASSIC ENERGY was shifted to the inside of SMART KIDS to continue improving. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that SMART KIDS had sustained a cut to its tongue. Before being allowed to race again, SMART KIDS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SURE FORWARD, D Whyte said that the horse appeared to him to lose its action on a number of occasions during the race when bumped by other runners. He said he was not able to obtain a position closer to the fence and was three wide throughout the race, albeit that SURE FORWARD was able to obtain cover behind LOTUS LOVE for the majority of the race. He said SURE FORWARD travelled only fairly throughout the race and was under pressure prior to rounding the Home Turn. He added that in the Straight SURE FORWARD was bumped by ROMANCING TAMAR and when this happened SURE FORWARD again did not appear comfortable in its action. A veterinary inspection of SURE FORWARD and ROMANCING TAMAR after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of LOTUS LOVE revealed that the horse was a “roarer” which had previously been reported. SURE FORWARD, PERFECT TEN and BLADE FORCE were sent for sampling.