25/01/2017  Happy Valley  Race 5

IMPERIAL SEAL began awkwardly. From a wide barrier, LUCKY SEVEN STARS was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, SPINNING DANCER shifted in and bumped the hindquarters of IMPERIAL SEAL. Near the 1350 Metres, both SPINNING DANCER and SMART SALUTE became unbalanced after bumping. After the 1200 Metres, SURE PEACE got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of SPINNING DANCER. WINNING BOY got its head up on a number of occasions approaching the 1000 Metres when being steadied to allow BEST TANGO to cross. Near the 550 Metres, IMPERIAL SEAL attempted to shift out from behind WINNING BOY as SURE PEACE improved to its outside. This resulted in IMPERIAL SEAL bumping SURE PEACE and blundering. For some distance after this, IMPERIAL SEAL was very awkwardly placed close to the heels of WINNING BOY. Shortly after entering the Straight, BEST TANGO was directed out away from the heels of SEE ME NOW which shifted out. Near the 300 Metres, CASA MASTER was shifted to the inside of SURE PEACE to continue improving. GOOD CHOICE was held up for clear running approaching and passing the 200 Metres. Passing the 100 Metres, WINNING BOY raced in restricted room between SEE ME NOW and WORKS OF ART. Over the concluding stages, CASA MASTER raced tight inside LUCKY SEVEN STARS. Close to the finishing line, GOOD CHOICE was awkwardly placed inside the heels of SPINNING DANCER and consequently was not able to be ridden out all the way to the end of the race. For the majority of the race, WORKS OF ART travelled wide and without cover. After the race, Z Purton stated that after steadying CASA MASTER to obtain a position closer to the rail, his mount was somewhat lethargic in the early stages and got back further in the field despite being ridden to obtain a midfield position. He said CASA MASTER travelled only fairly in the run and shortly after entering the Straight he attempted to follow the eventual winner IMPERIAL SEAL through, however, CASA MASTER did not pick up and finish off the race as he anticipated it would. A veterinary inspection of CASA MASTER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings, however, the horse was unable to be scoped due to being fractious. A veterinary inspection of BEST TANGO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. IMPERIAL SEAL and SUM WIN DRAGON were sent for sampling.