11/11/2020  Happy Valley  Race 6

LEGION OF MERIT lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected, then shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of GIFT OF LIFELINE, causing LEGION OF MERIT to lose ground and GIFT OF LIFELINE to become unbalanced. FLASH FAMOUS began awkwardly, shifted in and was steadied away from the heels of GIFT OF LIFELINE. DELIGHTFUL LAOS and DIVINE UNICORN were shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. After passing the winning post on the first occasion, HAPPY MY BROTHER was left racing wide and without cover. At the entrance to the Straight, DIVINE UNICORN was taken wider by LEAP OF FAITH which shifted out. Near the 350 Metres, GIFT OF LIFELINE raced in restricted room between HAPPY MY BROTHER which was giving ground and FLASH FAMOUS which shifted out to improve into tight running outside LEGION OF MERIT. Then passing the 300 Metres, FLASH FAMOUS and GIFT OF LIFELINE raced tight. When questioned regarding the performance of LEAP OF FAITH, A Badel stated that it was intended for the horse to be ridden in a forward position and to obtain a trailing position behind the leaders. He said however LEAP OF FAITH was fractious in the barriers and as the start was effected began very awkwardly and bumped the inside of its gate. He said this resulted in LEAP OF FAITH missing the start and having to race back in the field. He said when required to race back in the field, LEAP OF FAITH would not settle for the majority of the race and got its head up on a number of occasions when awkwardly placed behind runners. He said, in his opinion, LEAP OF FAITH’s inability to finish off the race was as a result of the horse missing the start and then racing further back in the field in a race which was not run at a good tempo. A veterinary inspection of LEAP OF FAITH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SMILING CITY, NAMJONG PLUS and REEL BIZZY were sent for sampling.