13/07/2022  Happy Valley  Race 7

SUPER BUDDY shifted out at the start and bumped SUPER OASIS. After this, SUPER BUDDY was steadied in the early stages to obtain cover. Then passing the 1300 Metres, SUPER BUDDY was left racing wide and without cover. NEARLY FINE was also steadied on jumping and shifted across behind runners. SURREALISM shifted in shortly after the start and bumped PEGASUS GENERAL. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, COMET SPLENDIDO raced tight inside the heels of E LEGEND. After the 900 Metres, LOOKING GREAT commenced to travel keenly and for some distance approaching the 700 Metres was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SUPER OASIS. SURREALISM, which was following LOOKING GREAT, was steadied away from behind that horse passing the 800 Metres in consequence. Approaching the turn after the 600 Metres, NEARLY FINE got its head on the side and lay in towards the heels of WIN WIN FIGHTER. Passing the 400 Metres, COMET SPLENDIDO raced close to the heels of E LEGEND when attempting to improve between that horse and NORDIC SKY which was giving ground. A veterinary inspection of NORDIC SKY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of NORDIC SKY, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, NORDIC SKY will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in a barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Passing the 200 Metres, NEARLY FINE and SURREALISM brushed. NEARLY FINE then raced tight inside SURREALISM for some distance after the 150 Metres as SURREALISM shifted in under pressure. After the race, M F Poon stated that the only explanation he could find for WIN WIN FIGHTER’s disappointing effort tonight was that the horse did not seem to appreciate racing amongst runners. He said he did note that at its only win WIN WIN FIGHTER raced outside runners and the horse then closed off the race strongly. He said in tonight’s race he had to niggle at WIN WIN FIGHTER in the middle stages to maintain its position behind COMET SPLENDIDO and after coming under heavy pressure prior to the 600 Metres the horse then did not finish the race off. A veterinary inspection of WIN WIN FIGHTER immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of SURREALISM immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. E LEGEND, SUPER OASIS and COMET SPLENDIDO were sent for sampling.