01/06/2011  Happy Valley  Race 5

In the early stages, OCEAN PRINCE, from the outside barrier, travelled wide and without cover and after the 1200 Metres was shifted in behind LOMBARDI to obtain cover. For some distance after the 900 Metres, FLORA DANICA proved difficult to settle when awkwardly placed close to the heels of CHARMGOLD. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of BOUNCER, T Angland stated that it had been hoped that BOUNCER would be able to be ridden in a midfield position. He said however that BOUNCER failed to show early speed despite being ridden along in the early stages and consequently travelled back in the field. He said BOUNCER travelled on and off the bridle at various times in the early and middle stages, however, commenced to travel well after leaving the 800 Metres. He added as BOUNCER was travelling well at this stage, he elected to shift out from behind NOBLE DELUXE and commenced to improve his position. He said however that when he did this, BOUNCER was reluctant to improve its position despite him riding the horse along vigorously. He added in the Straight BOUNCER was disappointing in its failure to finish off the race. He did say he recommended to the trainer of BOUNCER to consider adding blinkers to the gear of that horse in future. A veterinary inspection of LOMBARDI and BOUNCER after the race did not show any significant findings. CROWN WITNESS and CHARMGOLD were sent for sampling.