21/04/2021  Happy Valley  Race 4

STRONG ALLIANCE was slow to begin. MORE THAN ENOUGH and ALL BEST FRIENDS bumped at the start. CHEEKY PRAWN then shifted out and bumped the hindquarters of MORE THAN ENOUGH. After this, CHEEKY PRAWN was steadied to obtain cover. From the outside barrier, MING WARRIOR was also steadied in the early stages and shifted across behind runners. After the 1300 Metres, OSCAR GLORY got its head up when travelling keenly. Passing the 1200 Metres, ALL BEST FRIENDS was left racing wide and without cover and then passing the 900 Metres was allowed to improve its position closer to the rail. Approaching the 1000 Metres, ALL JOYFUL momentarily raced tight inside ALL BEST FRIENDS which was then directed out to relieve the tightening to ALL JOYFUL. Approaching the 400 Metres, OSCAR GLORY was awkwardly placed close to the heels of LAND POWER which was racing close to the heels of THUNDER STOMP. Passing the 300 Metres, OSCAR GLORY was bumped by MORE THAN ENOUGH (J Moreira) which shifted in. J Moreira was reprimanded and told that he had previously been spoken to regarding making unnecessary contact with horses in the Straight. He was further told to ensure that he makes every endeavour to prevent his mounts from making contact with other horses and should he offend in a similar manner in the future, further action may be taken. Approaching the 200 Metres, ALL JOYFUL raced tight outside BRIGHT KID which shifted out and away from MORE THAN ENOUGH which also shifted out under pressure. MING WARRIOR, which was racing outside ALL JOYFUL, was inconvenienced in consequence. When questioned, M F Poon stated that he was asked to try and lead on THUNDER STOMP if possible, however, if another horse was intent on taking up a forward position, it was acceptable to him to race outside that horse. He said in the early stages he allowed his mount to improve into a forward position and passing the 1200 Metres it was apparent to him that LAND POWER was being steadied to allow THUNDER STOMP to cross into the lead. He said he therefore rode his mount along approaching the 1100 Metres to clear LAND POWER. He said passing the 1000 Metres he attempted to steady THUNDER STOMP in the lead given that he had ridden the horse forward to cross LAND POWER, however, THUNDER STOMP took some time to relax and it was not until after the 800 Metres that he was able to bring the horse back to be travelling comfortably in the lead. After the race, J Moreira stated that apart from being inclined to lay out at various times during the race, he was unable to offer any explanation for the performance of MORE THAN ENOUGH. He said after enjoying a trailing position throughout the race, he shifted MORE THAN ENOUGH to the outside of ALL BEST FRIENDS rounding the Home Turn and the horse immediately came under pressure. He said, despite being ridden along, MORE THAN ENOUGH did not respond to his riding and weakened over the concluding stages. A veterinary inspection of MORE THAN ENOUGH immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of ALL BEST FRIENDS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. MORE THAN ENOUGH, BRIGHT KID and LAND POWER were sent for sampling.