08/11/2020  Happy Valley  Race 9

PERFECT GLORY and COMPASSION SPIRIT bumped at the start. STARZ HERO shifted out at the start and made contact with POISED TO STRIKE. After this, POISED TO STRIKE was steadied and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. WINE AND WINE began awkwardly. Despite being ridden along from the outside barrier in the early stages, TAKINGUFURTHER was slow to muster speed and then after the 1100 Metres was shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. Near the 1100 Metres, STARZ HERO was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SUNSET WATCH when being steadied to obtain cover behind that horse. After this, STARZ HERO travelled keenly. Passing the 300 Metres, HAPPY GOOD GUYS got its head on the side and lay in behind ARES after racing tight inside FIRST RESPONDER. Passing the 200 Metres, POISED TO STRIKE was directed out away from the heels of SUNSET WATCH. Near the 150 Metres, PERFECT GLORY was shifted to the inside of CALIFORNIADEEPSHOT to obtain clear running. Close to the finishing line, FIRST RESPONDER was awkwardly placed outside ARES which shifted out away from the heels of CALIFORNIADEEPSHOT (Apprentice C Wong) which shifted out under pressure. Apprentice Wong was told that the Stewards had spoken to him on a number of occasions about allowing his mounts to shift ground when riding out. He was placed on notice that should he continue to offend in this matter, further disciplinary action may be taken. Throughout the race, FIRST RESPONDER travelled wide and without cover. After the race, K Teetan stated that CHICKEN DANCE, which was having its first race start at Happy Valley, was unbalanced throughout the race. He said he had to ride his mount along throughout to have it maintain its position, however, CHICKEN DANCE was not comfortable in its action. He said CHICKEN DANCE took some time to balance up in the Straight and then finished off the race fairly over the concluding stages. A veterinary inspection of CHICKEN DANCE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of WINE AND WINE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CHICKEN DANCE, COMPASSION SPIRIT and PERFECT GLORY were sent for sampling.