19/09/2007  Happy Valley  Race 3

EMBRACES began awkwardly, lost ground and then was checked to avoid the heels of NEW TRIUMPH. BEAR DOMINANCE was slow to begin. After the 1200 Metres, SPACED was steadied away from the heels of NEW TRIUMPH. Approaching and making the Home Turn, DASHING FLAIR was held up and unable to improve when following SPACED. Then passing the 100 Metres, DASHING FLAIR had difficulty obtaining clear running between G-ONE LEADING and SPACED. Approaching and passing the 200 Metres, BEAR DOMINANCE, which was being shifted out to obtain clear running, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of SIXTY SECONDS. When questioned regarding his riding after the 600 Metres, K Shea (MEATH) explained when PRIME TARGET shifted to a three wide position and commenced to improve, he was not travelling well enough to follow that horse forward and as a consequence SIXTY SECONDS was able to shift away from the rail and ultimately carry him to a four wide position. He said in the Straight MEATH closed the race off strongly. K Shea was told his explanation would be reported. When questioned regarding the poor performance of NEW TRIUMPH which was having its first start over the 1650 Metres, Apprentice C W Wong said the horse travelled in the lead as expected, however, travelled keenly and as a consequence was not able to run out the distance at its first time of asking. NEW TRIUMPH was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of NEW TRIUMPH after the race did not show any significant findings. SIXTY SECONDS, PRIME TARGET and MEATH were sent for sampling.