24/02/2021  Happy Valley  Race 9

On leaving the Parade Ring, FLYING SWORD made contact with a rail. On arrival at the Start, FLYING SWORD was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said that the horse was suitable to race. When parading behind the barriers, TSAR made contact with a rail and was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said that the horse was suitable to race. GREEN LUCK shifted out at the start and bumped BEAR AGAIN. ALPHA HEDGE shifted out at the start, resulting in INCANTO PREPARED being hampered and taken out onto CELESTIAL POWER which was crowded for room inside CINQUANTE CINQ which became unbalanced after being bumped by CELESTIAL POWER. FLYING SWORD began awkwardly and then was crowded for room on jumping between TASHIDELEK and REEL BIZZY which shifted out. In the early stages, CINQUANTE CINQ, FLYING SWORD and TSAR were all shifted across behind runners to obtain cover. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, TASHIDELEK, when racing wide, was allowed to improve its position to race outside the lead near the 1100 Metres at which stage CELESTIAL POWER was left racing wide and without cover. CELESTIAL POWER was then ridden along passing the 800 Metres to take up a more forward position and shift across to race outside the lead passing the 600 Metres. After passing the winning post on the first occasion, FLYING SWORD got its head up when awkwardly placed behind CELESTIAL POWER. Approaching the 200 Metres, FLYING SWORD was directed to the outside of BEAUTY SPIRIT to continue improving. Close to the finishing line, HIGH REV was awkwardly placed close to the heels of BEAR AGAIN and consequently was not able to be ridden out all the way to the end of the race. In the Straight, BEAR AGAIN lay out under pressure. A veterinary inspection of CINQUANTE CINQ, HIGH REV and TASHIDELEK immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. GREEN LUCK and TSAR were sent for sampling.