11/11/2020  Happy Valley  Race 8

CELESTIAL POWER and LUMEN BABA began only fairly and then were hampered shortly after the start when CUE THE MUSIC shifted in. IGNITING and SKY DARCI bumped at the start. IGNITING was then tightened for room between SKY DARCI and FARSHAD which shifted out. A short distance after the start, HARRIER JET shifted out and bumped CALIFORNIA GUNGHO. From a wide barrier, LOVING A BOOM was steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. Passing the 800 Metres, IGNITING was awkwardly placed close to the heels of FLYING BONUS. Passing the 200 Metres, CELESTIAL POWER commenced to improve into tight running inside CUE THE MUSIC. CELESTIAL POWER then raced in restricted room inside CUE THE MUSIC passing the 150 Metres when that horse shifted in slightly before being directed back out to relieve the tightening to CELESTIAL POWER. Near the 125 Metres, LOVING A BOOM was bumped by HARRIER JET which was shifted out away from the heels of IGNITING which shifted out marginally. Throughout the race, LITTLE BIRD travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the performance of FLYING BONUS, Z Purton stated that when being ridden positively in the early stages to obtain a forward position, FLYING BONUS hung in badly and proved difficult to ride. He said he could ride the horse sufficiently to be able to shift across with CALIFORNIA GUNGHO making the turn near the 1000 Metres and after shifting across to race outside the lead, FLYING BONUS continued to hang in. He said FLYING BONUS came under pressure prior to the 400 Metres when continuing to lay in and after being placed under heavy pressure in the early part of the Straight again hung in badly and proved difficult to ride. He added because of the racing manners of FLYING BONUS, he was not able to properly test the horse in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of FLYING BONUS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The racing manners of FLYING BONUS were considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, FLYING BONUS will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial around a bend. A veterinary inspection of LITTLE BIRD immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SKY DARCI and HARRIER JET were sent for sampling.