21/12/2022  Happy Valley  Race 6

Whilst in the holding stalls, MILLENNIUM FALCON had its left hind plate refitted. MILLENNIUM FALCON was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. MOONLIGHT VISTA, which bumped a rail on entering the track, was examined by the Veterinary Officer on arrival at the Start and passed suitable to race. MOONLIGHT VISTA lost its right front plate at the start. From a wide barrier, AI ONE was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. From the outside barrier, MOONLIGHT VISTA, got its head up when being restrained in the early stages. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, KILLER INSTINCT, when taking up a position closer to the rail, was restrained to avoid the heels of TURIN WARRIOR. COPARTNER FIONN got its head up in the early stages when being restrained to take up a position closer to the rail passing the winning post on the first occasion. GLORIOUS LOVER raced wide and without cover in the early and middle stages before HIGH CLOUD shifted out in front of GLORIOUS LOVER passing the 600 Metres. Near the 200 Metres, TURIN WARRIOR shifted out to obtain clear running between VIVA POPCORN and FEARLESS FIRE, resulting in both TURIN WARRIOR and FEARLESS FIRE racing tight for a short distance when VIVA POPCORN shifted out slightly. After the race, H Bowman (MILLENNIUM FALCON) reported that his mount felt uncomfortable in its action near the 900 Metres. A veterinary inspection of MILLENNIUM FALCON immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding his tactics adopted on HIGH CLOUD at the 600 Metres when he left a position one out and one back behind FEARLESS FIRE, J McNeil explained that his instructions were to try and build momentum with the horse rather than being left in a "sit and sprint” situation. He said it was his decision at that stage to come out to avoid being covered up by GLORIOUS LOVER which at the time was racing three wide. VIVA POPCORN and TURIN WARRIOR were sent for sampling.