04/07/2012  Happy Valley  Race 3

STORM UNICORN was slow to begin. KHARU was crowded for room at the start between URBAN DANCER and OCEAN WIDE which shifted out. Passing the 1100 Metres, CROESUS was shifted away from the heels of OCEAN WIDE which shifted in when barely clear. Then making the turn near the 1000 Metres, CROESUS became unbalanced in its action. Making the turn after the 1000 Metres, PINNASINGA got its head on the side and hung out. Near the 900 Metres, HIGH RETURN was awkwardly placed close to the heels of URBAN DANCER. STORM UNICORN had some difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight. Approaching the 200 Metres, URBAN DANCER, which was commencing to give ground, was momentarily tightened for room between HIGH RETURN and RACING LEGEND, both of which shifted ground. Over the concluding stages, DIAMOND ANGEL was awkwardly placed outside the heels of CROESUS which shifted out under pressure. Because of this, DIAMOND ANGEL was not able to be fully tested. When questioned, W Pike stated that, from the outside barrier, he had been asked to ride RACING LEGEND in about a midfield position if possible. He said it was felt that RACING LEGEND had been getting too far out of its ground in recent starts and it was hoped that the horse may be able to obtain a slightly closer position tonight. He said he rode his mount along in the early stages and after travelling a short distance steadied RACING LEGEND with a view to obtaining a position with cover behind IMPECCABLE. He said however that when he steadied RACING LEGEND, the horse commenced to over-race and he was not able to shift that horse in behind IMPECCABLE. He said on entering the Back Straight he was left racing very wide and as he was then not able to come back any further, he elected to allow his mount to stride forward in the hope of obtaining a position closer to the rail. He added that he allowed RACING LEGEND to improve to race outside the leaders, however, he was not able to obtain a position closer to the rail and was three wide and without cover. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that RACING LEGEND was lame in the left front leg. Before being allowed to race again, RACING LEGEND will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of URBAN DANCER after the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, URBAN DANCER will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SERENDIPITY and CROESUS were sent for sampling. <5/7/2012 Additional Veterinary Report>URBAN DANCER, which performed poorly, was examined by the Veterinary Officer. He said at that time the horse was found to be displaying an irregular heart rhythm. URBAN DANCER was again examined by the Veterinary Officer at the stables of Trainer C S Shum this morning. He said at this time he noted the horse to be lame in the right front leg. As previously advised, URBAN DANCER will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination before being allowed to race again.