02/12/2015  Happy Valley  Race 8

ALL WIN BOY began awkwardly. BEST EFFORT began only fairly and shortly after the start was shifted across behind runners. From a wide barrier, COUR VALANT was also steadied and shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Passing the 1100 Metres, ALL WIN BOY raced in restricted room between ANDNOWURMINE and GOLDEN CHOPSTICKS, both of which shifted slight ground. SALSA BROTHERS lost its left hind plate near the 1050 Metres. GREAT RUN travelled keenly in the early stages and near the 1000 Metres got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of LOTUS BREEZE. Near the 600 Metres, SMART DECLARATION and LOTUS BREEZE raced tight. Near the 500 Metres, COUR VALANT commenced to travel keenly and raced close to the heels of ANDNOWURMINE. Near the 400 Metres, ANDNOWURMINE broke down, resulting in COUR VALANT having to be severely checked to avoid ANDNOWURMINE. As a result, COUR VALANT was forced extremely wide and lost a significant amount of ground. At the entrance to the Straight, SALSA BROTHERS became momentarily unbalanced after shifting out away from HARBOUR ALERT. Throughout the race, RED MARVEL travelled wide and without cover. After the race, Z Purton state that although COUR VALANT was badly hampered near the 400 Metres, nonetheless the horse's action throughout the race did not feel comfortable. A veterinary inspection of COUR VALANT immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, COUR VALANT will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. GOLDEN CHOPSTICKS and HARBOUR ALERT were sent for sampling.