10/07/2013  Happy Valley  Race 9

As the start was effected, AMAZINGLY lifted its front feet off the ground and shortly afterwards was taken across behind runners. Shortly after the start, RED DANCER was steadied away from the heels of SUPREME ESSENCE which was taken out by PLENTIFUL. Near the 1300 Metres, CIRCUIT STAR proved difficult to settle and shifted out after being checked away from the heels of SUPREME ESSENCE. Passing the 1200 Metres, SUPREME ESSENCE was awkwardly placed close to the heels of FLYING ELITE. Approaching the 1100 Metres, AMAZINGLY proved very difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions when being checked away from the heels of RED DANCER. After the 1000 Metres, CIRCUIT STAR was left racing wide and without cover. Passing the 800 Metres, AMAZINGLY travelled keenly and was checked away from the heels of RED DANCER which shifted out slightly. Rounding the Home Turn, ROYAL PARTNER got its head on the side and lay out. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of GRIFFINDOR, W C Marwing stated that he had been asked to ride the horse in the first five if possible. He said GRIFFINDOR began only fairly and he had to ride the horse aggressively in the early stages to take up a forward position as instructed. He said GRIFFINDOR then raced keenly in the early stages until he was able to obtain cover behind ELECTRONIC FORTUNE after the 900 Metres. He said after this GRIFFINDOR travelled more comfortably, however, did not show any turn of foot when placed under pressure in the Straight. He added, in his opinion, tonight’s disappointing performance could be attributed to the amount of use that had to be made of GRIFFINDOR in the early stages. A veterinary inspection of GRIFFINDOR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FLYING ELITE and RED DANCER were sent for sampling.