05/03/2008  Happy Valley  Race 2

After arriving at the Start, M Nunes, the rider of SIMPLY THE BEST, expressed concern to the Veterinary Officer over the action of the horse during the preliminary. SIMPLY THE BEST was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said he was not able to detect any abnormality and in his opinion was suitable to race. However, M Nunes was consulted who said he was not willing to ride the horse in the race. As such, SIMPLY THE BEST was withdrawn by order of the Stewards. Before being permitted to race again, SIMPLY THE BEST will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. From the outside barrier, REWARDING STAR was taken back to a position with cover. At the 1300 Metres, KAISER'S CHOIX became unbalanced when awkwardly placed between ALEXANDR THE GREAT and WINNING PATTERN which lost ground when momentarily crowded for room by FRAMES DEPOT which got its head up and shifted in when being steadied away from the heels of NEW COMMAND. Near the 1200 Metres, WINNING PATTERN became unbalanced when racing close to the heels of HAPPY ASH which in turn got its head up and was steadied away from the heels of NOBLE ZOOM which at this time steadied the tempo of the race. Passing the 400 Metres, KAISER'S CHOIX got its head on the side and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of FRAMES DEPOT. Making the Home Turn, REWARDING STAR hung out. On straightening, WINNING PATTERN, which had been held up and unable to obtain clear running, was steadied and shifted to the inside of HAPPY ASH to go forward. Shortly after straightening, FRAMES DEPOT and HAPPY ASH bumped. For some distance approaching and passing the 200 Metes, HURRICANE WAY had difficulty obtaining clear running. After the 200 Metres, SPARKLE was struck over the nose by the whip of D Whyte (KAISER'S CHOIX). At the 150 Metres, HAPPY ASH, which was giving ground, became unbalanced when crowded for room between FRAMES DEPOT and WINNING PATTERN which at this time was steadied and shifted to the outside of NEW COMMAND to obtain clear running. Throughout the race, ALEXANDR THE GREAT travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground and finished tailed out. The performance of ALEXANDR THE GREAT was considered unacceptable. Before being permitted to race again, ALEXANDR THE GREAT will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. DENDRANTHEMA LOVE, SPARKLE and REWARDING STAR were sent for sampling.