28/06/2022  Happy Valley  Race 3

WIND SPEEDER lost its left front plate on jumping. AEROVERSARY got its head up on a number of occasions shortly after the start when being steadied from a wide barrier to obtain cover. Also from a wide barrier, HANG’S CHOICE was shifted across behind runners. Shortly after the start, HERO STAR shifted out and inconvenienced FIRE BALL. Passing the 900 Metres, HOLI MOLI got its head on the side and lay in towards the running rail. After the 700 Metres, ISLAND SHINE was left racing wide and without cover. At the entrance to the Straight, HAPPY GATHERING shifted out and bumped ISLAND SHINE. Then after the 200 Metres and again passing the 150 Metres, HAPPY GATHERING was awkwardly placed outside the heels of FIRE BALL. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of FINGERS CROSSED, J Moreira stated that his mount, which was having its first race start tonight, showed good early speed to be able to obtain a forward position. He said FINGERS CROSSED travelled well behind the speed and after being placed under pressure near the 400 Metres, he anticipated that FINGERS CROSSED would finish the race off well. He said at the 300 Metres his mount came under heavy pressure and then gave ground noticeably over the latter stages. He added that as FINGERS CROSSED appeared to pull up well after the race, he was at a loss to explain the manner in which the horse weakened in the Straight. A veterinary inspection of FINGERS CROSSED immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. KOKUSHI MUSOU and HERO STAR were sent for sampling.