18/10/2017  Happy Valley  Race 4

Shortly after the start, SWEET BEAN was crowded for room between HAPPY FRIENDSHIP and GOLD VELVET which shifted in after being bumped by FUN MANAGER on jumping. From wide barriers, BEST JADE TRIUMPH and ROCK THE TREE were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. At the 500 Metres and again rounding the Home Turn, ROCK THE TREE raced tight outside BEST JADE TRIUMPH. At the entrance to the Straight, FUN MANAGER was awkwardly placed close to the heels of FRUITFUL LIFE which was taken out by AUDACITY which in turn was taken out by DON WONGCHOY which made the Home Turn awkwardly. In the early part of the Straight, ATOMIC BLAST lay out under pressure. Over the concluding stages, EMPIRE OF MONGOLIA was awkwardly placed outside the heels of SWEET BEAN. When questioned, Mr A T Millard, the trainer of ATOMIC BLAST, said when assessing the likely tempo of tonight’s race, as he could not identify any recognised leader, he felt that the race would likely be run at a slow tempo. He said he was of the opinion that were ATOMIC BLAST to be ridden back in the field, the tempo would count against the horse and therefore having engaged a 7 lb claiming apprentice jockey and from the outside barrier, he felt that there was a good opportunity for the horse to be ridden positively in the early stages to take advantage of the anticipated slow tempo of the race. After considering the makeup of tonight’s field and the merits of Mr Millard’s instructions, no further action was considered necessary. A veterinary inspection of AUDACITY immediately following the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea. Before being allowed to race again, AUDACITY will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. FUN MANAGER, FRUITFUL LIFE and GOLD VELVET were sent for sampling.