25/11/2020  Happy Valley  Race 8

From wide barriers, ANGEL OF MY EYES and FLYING SWORD were shifted across behind runners in the early stages. When being steadied to obtain cover, FLYING SWORD got its head up on a number of occasions shortly after the start. After travelling a short distance, LEAP OF FAITH was bumped by RICH AND LUCKY which was taken out by TOYCOON which in turn was shifted out away from SURREALISM which was bumped by SUMSTREETSUMWHERE. For some distance in the early stages, EASY GO EASY WIN was ridden along, however, failed to muster speed and after passing the winning post on the first occasion was shifted in in an attempt to obtain cover, however, near the 1000 Metres was left racing wide and without cover. Then after the 900 Metres, EASY GO EASY WIN was allowed to improve its position, however, continued to race wide and without cover. At the 300 Metres, ANGEL OF MY EYES was shifted out away from the heels of HOLY HEART (Z Purton) which improved to the outside of HEAVENLY THOUGHT to obtain clear running. Z Purton was advised to exercise more care when shifting ground in similar circumstances. When questioned regarding the performance of THE ROCK, J Moreira stated that it was intended for the horse to be ridden with cover in a position behind midfield which was similar to the manner in which the horse was ridden in a barrier trial in the lead up to the race. He said he was able to shift THE ROCK across behind runners in the early stages after being momentarily awkwardly placed outside the heels of LEAP OF FAITH shortly after the start. He said THE ROCK travelled well until approaching the 500 Metres where his mount was awkwardly placed behind TOYCOON. He said THE ROCK came off the bridle and then did not quicken as anticipated, rather it stayed on one-paced to the line. He added whilst THE ROCK was not beaten far tonight, in his opinion, it was somewhat disappointing in that it did not quicken as expected. A veterinary inspection of THE ROCK immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, T Piccone (TOYCOON) stated that after travelling well throughout the middle stages, he placed TOYCOON under pressure after the 500 Metres, however, the horse did not respond as anticipated. He said he continued to ride TOYCOON out in the early part of the Straight, however, the horse gave ground over the latter stages of the race and was disappointing. A veterinary inspection of TOYCOON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of HEAVENLY THOUGHT and LEAP OF FAITH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. THE ROCK, HOLY HEART and ANGEL OF MY EYES were sent for sampling.