11/07/2012  Happy Valley  Race 5

At declaration time, W Pike was declared as the rider of both PERFECT MOMENT and ABSOLUTE FANTASY. It was established that W Pike had a firm commitment to ride PERFECT MOMENT. As such, the Stewards permitted M L Yeung to be substituted as the rider of ABSOLUTE FANTASY. For this declaration error, W Pike was fined $2,000. On arrival at the Start, it was noted that FORTUNE WINNER had lost its right front plate. After being replated, FORTUNE WINNER was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. NOBLE DE BEST began awkwardly. From wide barriers, NOBLE DELUXE and ALWAYS SOMETHING were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Despite being ridden along in the early stages, TRAVEL BRAND failed to muster pace. When being steadied to obtain cover approaching the winning post on the first occasion, FORGIVE AND FORGET got its head up on a number of occasions. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, AMBITIOUS TREASURE got its head on the side and lay in towards the hindquarters of PERFECT MOMENT, resulting in FORGIVE AND FORGET and TRAVEL BRAND being crowded for room. AMBITIOUS TREASURE made the Home Turn awkwardly. When questioned, T Clark stated that he had been instructed to ride AGIAAL in about a midfield position if possible. He said prior to the race AGIAAL became quite stirred up and sweated up whilst parading behind the barriers. He said in the early stages he was racing to the outside of FORGIVE AND FORGET and when that horse maintained its position to his inside, AGIAAL was not able to obtain a position closer than three wide. He said near the 1300 Metres AGIAAL was left racing wide and without cover. He said when left racing without cover, AGIAAL was inclined to travel keenly. He added after the 500 Metres AGIAAL came under pressure to maintain its position and rounding the Home Turn was bumped by PERFECT MOMENT which shifted out. He said after being placed under pressure in the Straight, AGIAAL did not respond to his riding and weakened out of the race. He said, in his opinion, the horse’s performance tonight could be attributed to the fact that it was not able to obtain cover and the manner in which it became worked up prior to the race. A veterinary inspection of AGIAAL after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of JUMBO GOLD after the race found that horse had bled from its right nostril. The Veterinary Officer said an endoscopic examination confirmed the horse to be a bleeder. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that FORTUNE WINNER had lost its left front plate. AGIAAL, FORTUNE WINNER and ABSOLUTE FANTASY were sent for sampling.