10/06/2020  Happy Valley  Race 4

AMAZING KIWI, which was fractious when being transported to Happy Valley, was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said the horse was lame in its left front leg and accordingly was not suitable to race. Acting on this advice, AMAZING KIWI was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being allowed to race again, AMAZING KIWI will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. SHANGHAI GRACE was slow to begin. METRO WARRIOR stumbled badly at the start and then was crowded for room between ETERNAL HARVEST and SUNNY LAD, both of which shifted ground. From the outside barrier, POISED TO STRIKE was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. SUNNY LAD lost its right front plate in the early stages. After being vigorously ridden in the early stages to obtain a forward position, FLYING BONUS travelled wide and without cover after being unable to clear GREEN AEON which was racing outside DIAMOND BRILLIANT. Approaching and passing the 800 Metres, ETERNAL HARVEST was steadied to obtain cover behind CANTSTOPTHEFEELING. This resulted in POISED TO STRIKE being awkwardly placed behind ETERNAL HARVEST passing the 750 Metres. Near the 150 Metres, CANTSTOPTHEFEELING and GREEN AEON raced tight. Close to the finishing line, CANTSTOPTHEFEELING raced close to the heels of ETERNAL HARVEST and consequently was not able to be ridden out all the way to the end of the race. METRO WARRIOR lay in under pressure in the Straight. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of FLYING GENIUS, K Teetan stated that, as usual, he gave his mount a good warm up behind the barriers to ensure that it began well and was able to take up a forward position. He said FLYING GENIUS began only fairly and then despite being vigorously ridden in the early stages did not show any early speed. He said he rode FLYING GENIUS along for a considerable distance in an endeavour to have it improve its position, however, FLYING GENIUS was reluctant to stretch out. He said passing the 800 Metres FLYING GENIUS became unbalanced in its action, however, was able to regain its action a short distance later and as the horse felt sound, he continued to ride it along. He added FLYING GENIUS continued to be reluctant to stretch out and, despite being ridden along throughout the race, did not improve its position. Mr A S Cruz, the trainer of FLYING GENIUS, was not able to offer any explanation for the performance of the horse. He said FLYING GENIUS had pleased him in the lead up to tonight’s race and it was anticipated that the horse would perform well. A veterinary inspection of FLYING GENIUS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of FLYING GENIUS, favourite for tonight’s race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, FLYING GENIUS will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of METRO WARRIOR immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. FLYING GENIUS, ETERNAL HARVEST and DIAMOND BRILLIANT were sent for sampling.