15/10/2008  Happy Valley  Race 4

DAYLIGHT EXPRESS began awkwardly, got its head up and lost a considerable amount of ground. FASTER FASTER was slow to begin. Making the turn at the 1000 Metres, CLASSIC HORSE was steadied when awkwardly placed outside the heels of SURE HERO which shifted out. After entering the Back Straight, SURE HERO was steadied away from the heels of MAGI JOY. After the 800 Metres, MONTY was left racing wide and without cover. Making the turn at the 600 Metres, NEW ASIA FORWARD was crowded for room inside CLASSIC HORSE which got its head on the side and hung in. B Prebble (NEW ASIA FORWARD) said if circumstances permitted his intention was to ride the horse in the box seat position. He said NEW ASIA FORWARD was fractious in the barriers, did not break cleanly and therefore in the early stages he took his mount back behind runners. He said NEW ASIA FORWARD made the first turn awkwardly and got its head on the side, then near the 900 Metres was reluctant to hold its position inside CLASSIC HORSE when that horse shifted in and caused slight crowding. He said NEW ASIA FORWARD then commenced to travel better, however, was disappointing in the manner in which it finished its race off. When questioned regarding the poor performance of SURE HERO, M Du Plessis said at no stage of the race did the horse travel comfortably and as the race progressed in his opinion the action of his mount worsened. He said because of this he did not ride SURE HERO out over the concluding stages. SURE HERO was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of SURE HERO after the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, SURE HERO will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. FASTER FASTER was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of FASTER FASTER after the race did not show any significant findings. PALIO KING, MAGI JOY and MR FLOODLIGHT were sent for sampling.