05/12/2007  Happy Valley  Race 8

TRAVEL CONSULTANT, which was fractious in its stall, was slow to begin. From the outside barrier, HARB was taken across behind runners. Making the turn at the 1000 Metres, SUPER CHARGE got its head up when being steadied while awkwardly placed between GO BRITANNIA and COUNTRY MAGIC which shifted in. In the circumstances, no action was taken. After entering the Back Straight, KIMBERLEY MINES proved difficult to settle and got its head up. Near the 700 Metres, GO BRITANNIA got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of KIMBERLEY MINES. After the 500 Metres, NAMJONG FIGHTERS was reluctant to hold its position between TRULLI and GO BRITANNIA which shifted out slightly. After this, NAMJONG FIGHTERS continued to hang out rounding the Home Turn. Shortly after entering the Home Straight, CENTURY SUPER STAR was steadied and shifted in away from the heels of AMO to obtain clear running. Over about the final 50 Metres, NAMJONG FIGHTERS was steadied when unable to obtain clear running between TRULLI and SUPER CHARGE. Because of this, NAMJONG FIGHTERS was not ridden out to the end of the race. Prior to the winning post, AMO was steadied away from the heels of LUCKY FRUIT. In the Straight, TRAVEL CONSULTANT hung in. Throughout the race, SUPER CHARGE travelled wide and without cover. K Shea (STAR OF FAME) said from a wide barrier the intention had been to ride his mount in midfield with cover. He said it was felt if ridden further forward, STAR OF FAME would be obliged to race wide and without cover. He said when CENTURY SUPER STAR which had drawn to his inside did not go forward, he was obliged to come back with that horse to ensure he had cover and as a consequence travelled slightly further back than anticipated. He said in the Straight when ridden out with the whip being used in the backhand, STAR OF FAME closed the race off reasonably. NAMJONG FIGHTERS was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of NAMJONG FIGHTERS after the race did not show any significant findings. COUNTRY MAGIC and CENTURY SUPER STAR were sent for sampling.