28/05/2008  Happy Valley  Race 6

MAN IN THE MIRROR was withdrawn on 27.5.08 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (blood abnormality) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter THE GOODIES (M Du Plessis). Before being allowed to race again, MAN IN THE MIRROR will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. While in the saddling stalls, DASH AHEAD had its right hind plate reset. DASH AHEAD was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. After being boxed, LHOJONG lunged forward and broke through the front gates of its stall. LHOJONG was quickly reined in and returned to the Start where it was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. THE GOODIES was slow to begin. At the 1800 Metres, when being steadied away from the heels of SEA TREASURE, AMPLE GAINS got its head up, shifted out and was checked away from the heels of FAT DRAGON. After the 1200 Metres, FAT DRAGON, which for some distance had been racing wide and without cover, was allowed to stride forward into the lead. Also after the 1200 Metres, AMPLE GAINS was left racing wide and without cover. Making the turn at the 600 Metres, NORTHERNER was steadied when crowded for room inside CALIFORNIA BISHOP which at this time was carried in by AMPLE GAINS which shifted momentarily. In this incident, some inconvenience was caused to SEA TREASURE which was crowded for room. After the 600 Metres, O Doleuze (AMPLE GAINS) dropped his whip. At the 200 Metres, AMPLE GAINS, which was giving ground, became unbalanced when bumped by FANTASTIC GUY which when improving towards the outside of the heels of DASH AHEAD was carried out by that horse which shifted out to obtain clear running. When questioned regarding the poor performance of LHOJONG, B Prebble said his mount raced “flat” throughout and at no stage of the race travelled comfortably. Mr C H Yip, trainer of LHOJONG, said the horse had been well leading into tonight’s race and was given a strong chance by the stable. He said he was not able to offer any explanation for the performance of the horse. He said if possible LHOJONG will have one more race start prior to the end of the season. LHOJONG was sent for an official veterinary inspection and sampling. A veterinary inspection of LHOJONG after the race did not show any significant findings. In the circumstances, the performance of LHOJONG was considered unacceptable. Before being permitted to race again, LHOJONG will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. D Beadman (MAVERICK) said the intention had been to ride the horse in a forward position if possible. He said from a wide draw MAVERICK began well, FAT DRAGON which was drawn to his inside was ridden along to go forward. He said because of this he allowed FAT DRAGON to go forward of him, however, that horse did not travel initially in as forward a position as he had expected. He said making the first turn MAVERICK travelled three wide after THE GOODIES had improved to his inside and he therefore on entering the Straight on the first occasion elected to steady MAVERICK and take it back to travel at the rear in the hope that it would close the race off. He said MAVERICK did not travel well throughout the race and did not change lead legs.  He said in the Straight MAVERICK did not respond to his riding in the manner he thought it should given the soft run it had enjoyed. MAVERICK was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of MAVERICK after the race did not show any significant findings. FAT DRAGON and THE GOODIES were sent for sampling.