09/04/2008  Happy Valley  Race 7

MASTERY was slow to begin. GENIUS MASTER began awkwardly. From the outside barrier, AMSTERDAM was taken across behind runners. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, WARM EMBRACES was steadied when awkwardly placed inside PUERTO RICO which shifted in slightly. After the 900 Metres, when the tempo of the race steadied, PUERTO RICO was carried wider by REALLY HAPPY which at this time shifted out to improve its position. After this, PUERTO RICO was steadied to a position behind REALLY HAPPY. F Coetzee (PALETTE THE BEST) explained he had been instructed to ride the horse in a rearward position as is usual. He said it was felt even though it was anticipated the race would be run at a moderate tempo, the horse from an awkward draw would be left racing wide and without cover if ridden to obtain a more forward position. He said PALETTE THE BEST began better and travelled more keenly in the early stages than it usually does. He said he was able to take PALETTE THE BEST back to a position with cover near the rear. He said when the tempo of the race steadied after passing the winning post on the first occasion, PALETTE THE BEST travelled keenly for a short distance, however, making the turn at the 1000 Metres again relaxed. He said after entering the Back Straight the tempo of the race steadied further and he therefore shifted to a three wide position near the 800 Metres as he considered improving his position around the field. He said as he did this the tempo of the race quickened and PALETTE THE BEST did not respond to his riding as he anticipated it would. He said in the Straight PALETTE THE BEST only kept on fairly, however, it did make some ground. He said in his opinion PALETTE THE BEST was not suited by the manner in which the race was run. PALETTE THE BEST was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of PALETTE THE BEST after the race did not show any significant findings. REALLY HAPPY and TACTIC KING were sent for sampling.