13/02/2008  Happy Valley  Race 5

Prior to leaving the holding stable, it was noted PRIMIATA had lost its right hind plate. This plate was reset. The horse was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. After arriving at the Start, the bridle worn by MARVELLOUS was replaced as the bridle worn by the horse when it was presented in the Parade Ring had fitted to it a ring bit which was not part of MARVELLOUS' declared racing gear. Mr B K Ng, trainer of MARVELLOUS, was subsequently fined $2,000 for having presented MARVELLOUS to race with other than its approved gear. Passing the 1200 Metres, AMAZING CHOISIR was steadied away from the heels of PRIMIATA. After the 1200 Metres, when the tempo of the race commenced to steady, SUPER FANTASY was steadied away from the heels of GALLANT FALCON which in turn was steadied away from the heels of MYTHIC STEED which allowed LUCKY MONEY STAR to cross to the lead. In the middle stages, TREASURE RAIDERS proved difficult to settle and in the Straight when giving ground hung in, then after the 200 Metres was steadied away from the heels of LUCKY MONEY STAR. From on straightening until the 150 Metres, PRIMIATA was held up and unable to obtain clear running. Because of this, PRIMIATA was not fully tested. After the 200 Metres, GALLANT FALCON, which was having difficulty obtaining clear running, was steadied. Throughout the race, KING OF SHAVER travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight when giving ground hung in. D Whyte (CARE FREE MIDAS) explained the intention had been to have the horse ridden in a forward position, however, he was told he must endeavour to ensure CARE FREE MIDAS was ridden with cover as in its most recent starts when racing without cover the horse over-raced and failed to finish its races off. He said CARE FREE MIDAS began satisfactorily, however, it soon became apparent to him that if he were to ride CARE FREE MIDAS forward, it would be difficult to obtain a position with cover, he therefore elected shortly after the start to steady his mount and take it back to a position behind midfield. He said tonight CARE FREE MIDAS travelled satisfactorily in the run, however, in the Straight hung in badly and was disappointing in the manner in which it finished the race off. TREASURE RAIDERS, MYTHIC STEED and KING OF SHAVER were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of TREASURE RAIDERS, MYTHIC STEED and KING OF SHAVER after the race did not show any significant findings. AMAZING CHOISIR and SUPER FANTASY were sent for sampling.