19/03/2008  Happy Valley  Race 2

After arriving at the Start, S K Sit (RED WINE HONEY) expressed concern over the horse's action. The horse was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. RED WINE HONEY was slow to begin. From the outside barrier, MEATH was taken across behind runners in the early stages. On jumping, TRAVEL LEADER got its head up, lost ground and then despite being ridden along failed to muster speed. Approaching the 1600 Metres, TRIUMPH, which was racing wide on the track, was taken back to a position with cover, however, after the 1200 Metres was again left racing without cover. After the 800 Metres, MEATH was shifted wider on the track and ridden along to improve around the field. In the early part of the Straight, TRAVEL LEADER hung in. After the 200 Metres, WONDERFUL BLESSING, which was having difficulty obtaining clear running, was shifted to the inside of ROMANTIC GREEN. After the 100 Metres, CONNOISSEUR'S LOVE, which was giving ground, became unbalanced when awkwardly placed between TRIUMPH and ROMANTIC GREEN. Near the 50 Metres, ROMANTIC GREEN, which was giving ground, became unbalanced when bumped by WONDERFUL BLESSING which improved on its inside. G Mosse (HARRY HARRY) explained he had been instructed to ride the horse quietly as is usual. He said HARRY HARRY, which was wearing blinkers tonight, began well, immediately travelled forward without being pressured to do so and when other runners did not improve in the early stages, HARRY HARRY travelled further forward than was anticipated. D Whyte (KEEN SPIRIT), which performed poorly, explained he did not believe his mount which is a big striding horse handled the Happy Valley track at its first time of asking. G Boss (SWEET BABY), which performed poorly, explained his mount travelled comfortably in the early and middle stages. He said when the tempo of the race quickened after the 600 Metres, he shifted to a three wide position and commenced to ride along. He said SWEET BABY responded only fairly, then after straightening did not lengthen stride as he felt it should. He said SWEET BABY kept on until the 200 Metres, then became unbalanced and gave ground over the concluding stages. SWEET BABY, CHEERFUL HEART and KEEN SPIRIT were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of SWEET BABY, CHEERFUL HEART and KEEN SPIRIT after the race did not show any significant findings. WONDERFUL BLESSING and HARRY HARRY were sent for sampling.