28/05/2008  Happy Valley  Race 8

MELLIFLUOUS began awkwardly, lost ground and was then taken across behind runners. SOLAR ENERGY was slow to begin and then despite being ridden along failed to muster speed. Near the 1300 Metres, FIRST BABY got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of MELLIFLUOUS. In the early part of the Straight, MELLIFLUOUS had some difficulty obtaining clear running. After the 200 Metres, VIKING TOR was steadied and shifted out when disappointed for running between CLASSA SUPREME and YANKEE which shifted in. FIRST BABY, which was following and having difficulty obtaining clear running, was steadied in consequence. Throughout the race, DORDENMA travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the poor performance of SOLAR MIGHTY which was racing over 1650 Metres for the first time tonight, G Boss said the intention had been to have the horse travel where it was relaxed as in the past it had shown on occasions a tendency to over-race. He said SOLAR MIGHTY began only fairly, then immediately commenced to race ungenerously and get its head up. He said as a consequence he took SOLAR MIGHTY back to a position behind midfield in an endeavour to have the horse relaxed. He said throughout the race SOLAR MIGHTY raced ungenerously and proved difficult for him to settle and because of this together with the increase in distance for tonight’s race failed to close off. D Beadman (MASTER GUNNER) said it had been intended to ride the horse in a midfield position, however, from the wide barrier shortly after the start it became apparent to him that he would be obliged to travel wide if he were to be in midfield. He said because of this he took MASTER GUNNER back to race with the rear. He said MASTER GUNNER travelled comfortably throughout the run, however, when placed under pressure at the 500 Metres did not respond in the manner he thought it would. He said MASTER GUNNER made some ground in the Straight, however, was disappointing and in his opinion raced “flat”. MASTER GUNNER, SOLAR MIGHTY and HERE WE GO were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of MASTER GUNNER, SOLAR MIGHTY and HERE WE GO after the race did not show any significant findings. YANKEE and MELLIFLUOUS were sent for sampling.