29/05/2019  Happy Valley  Race 6

From the outside barriers, ENCORE BOY and BREEDERS’ SKY were shifted across behind runners shortly after the start. Passing the 950 Metres, BEAR AGAIN was crowded for room between FRUSTRATED and HEALTHY LUCK which shifted out. Approaching the 700 Metres, ARDENODE was steadied away from the heels of MAGIC LEGEND (K C Leung) which shifted in when not properly clear. K C Leung was advised to exercise more care in similar circumstances. Throughout the race, FORZA ANGEL travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, G van Niekerk stated that it was intended for FRUSTRATED to obtain a forward position. He said after FRUSTRATED began awkwardly, the horse took some time to muster speed despite being ridden along. He said after being crossed in the early stages by DREAM COME TRUE, he was required to take a trailing position on FRUSTRATED which was slightly further back in the field than had been intended. He said nonetheless the horse travelled well and at the entrance to the Straight he attempted to shift to the outside of FORZA ANGEL to obtain clear running. He said when HONG KONG BET maintained its position to the outside of FRUSTRATED and as his mount was not quickening strongly enough to force HONG KONG BET out, he directed FRUSTRATED to the inside of DREAM COME TRUE near the 250 Metres in an attempt to obtain a run. He said as he was attempting to improve between MR RIGHT and DREAM COME TRUE near the 200 Metres, MR RIGHT drifted out under pressure which resulted in FRUSTRATED being disappointed for running between those horses. He added he then shifted FRUSTRATED to the inside of MR RIGHT near the 50 Metres, however, MR RIGHT then shifted in close to the finishing line which resulted in him having to steady FRUSTRATED away from the heels of that horse. He said, in his opinion, had he have been able to obtain clear running in the Straight, FRUSTRATED would have finished off the race well. A veterinary inspection of FRUSTRATED immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of DREAM COME TRUE and HEALTHY LUCK immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FRUSTRATED, FORZA ANGEL and HONG KONG BET were sent for sampling.