09/03/2016  Happy Valley  Race 7

PERPETUAL TREASURE bounded in the air as the start was effected and was slow to begin. EXCITING DREAM lost its left front plate on jumping. BULLISH FRIEND began awkwardly and then from an outside barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. IMPERIAL CHAMPION travelled keenly in the lead and in the Straight gave ground. Passing the 300 Metres, COUNTRY MELODY was shifted out across the heels of SECRET COMMAND to obtain clear running. For some distance after the 200 Metres, PEACE N PROSPERITY and HAPPY YEAH YEAH raced tight. When questioned, J Moreira (LUCKY YEAR) stated that, from barrier 10, it was hoped that the horse may be able to obtain a trailing position behind the leader with cover if possible. He said in accordance with his instructions he rode his mount aggressively in the early stages, however, HAPPY YEAH YEAH, which was drawn to the inside of LUCKY YEAR, was also vigorously ridden along and as LUCKY YEAR did not have sufficient speed to cross that horse, he elected to steady it approaching the 1100 Metres in order to obtain cover behind HAPPY YEAH YEAH. He added after the 700 Metres LUCKY YEAR was left racing without cover, however, in the Straight finished off the race strongly after having to be ridden further back in the field than had been intended. A veterinary inspection of EXCITING DREAM and BULLISH FRIEND immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. LUCKY YEAR, COUNTRY MELODY and SECRET COMMAND were sent for sampling.