07/05/2008  Happy Valley  Race 6

At declaration time, B Prebble was declared as the rider of both MY LUCK and SUPER GOAL MASTER. It was established that B Prebble had a firm commitment to ride SUPER GOAL MASTER. As such, the Stewards permitted Apprentice C W Wong to be substituted as the rider of MY LUCK. For this declaration error, B Prebble was fined $2,000. FEEL-SO-GOOD was slow to begin. From the outside barrier in the early stages, DASHING CHAMPION travelled wide and without cover. At the 750 Metres, COUNTRY MAGIC became unbalanced. Throughout the race, FLYING SPRINTER travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the improved performance of the winner, ESPERANZA, Trainer P O'Sullivan said he had previously thought the horse would be better suited racing over 1600 Metres, however, in the horse's two starts since being spelled following an episode of an irregular heart rhythm, the horse had performed well over 1400 Metres. He said when resuming ESPERANZA surprised him with the early speed it showed over 1400 Metres from a good barrier draw. He said at its most recent start from the outside barrier it was felt the horse would be best suited being ridden quietly. He said tonight dropping back in distance to 1200 Metres, he anticipated ESPERANZA despite being well drawn would not show sufficient speed to obtain a forward position and therefore expected it would race behind midfield. He said after beginning well and obtaining a favourable position, ESPERANZA was able to close the race off strongly. He said the win of ESPERANZA tonight was not anticipated by the stable. SUPER GOAL MASTER, ESPERANZA and MACHO EXPRESSO were sent for sampling.