04/11/2008  Happy Valley  Race 8

While in the holding stalls, AMBITIOUS GENERAL had an adjustment made to its right hind plate. AMBITIOUS GENERAL was examined by the Veterinary Officer who said in his opinion it was suitable to race. TIME SUPREME stood flat-footed at the start and lost a considerable amount of ground. Before being allowed to race again, TIME SUPREME will have to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. WINNING REWARD began awkwardly, shifted in and bumped with DISGUISE. Shortly after the start, MEDICO was steadied away from the heels of SIGHT WINNER. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, DISGUISE was steadied away from the heels of MEDICO. Making the first turn, MELLIFLUOUS was steadied when awkwardly placed inside the hindquarters of MEDICO. At the 550 Metres, DISGUISE was steadied and shifted out away from the heels of NILOMETER. In the Straight, DISGUISE hung in. When questioned, D Whyte (SIGHT WINNER) said his instructions tonight were the same as when the horse had its last start which were to be in a midfield position with cover if possible. He said tonight from a better barrier with SIGHT WINNER stepping up in distance to 1800 Metres in what was anticipated to be a slowly run race, he ensured the horse began cleanly and went forward in the early stages. He said about 50 Metres after the start he stopped riding SIGHT WINNER along to allow horses which had drawn to his inside to go forward of him if they wished. He said as he did this MEDICO, the horse he initially thought he would follow in the run, was steadied and taken back after being crowded for room on his inside. He said BUTTERFIELD then improved its position to his inside which meant SIGHT WINNER was travelling in a three wide position without cover. He said because of this approaching the winning post on the first occasion when there was no opportunity for him to obtain a position with cover behind BUTTERFIELD, he elected to allow SIGHT WINNER to stride forward and cross to race in a two wide position without cover. He said after the 1200 Metres he endeavoured to steady the tempo of SIGHT WINNER and as he did this IRON FIST shifted away from the rail on his inside. He said SIGHT WINNER was then able to travel comfortably in a position with cover behind that horse. He said SIGHT WINNER being ridden in a more prominent position in tonight's race was due to him exercising his initiative in the early stages of the race. D Whyte was told his explanation would be reported. M Du Plessis (IRON FIST), which performed poorly, said his mount travelled comfortably throughout the race. He said IRON FIST initially led on the rail, then after the 1200 Metres when LU YUE was ridden to cross to the fence, he then shortly afterwards shifted away from the rail to avoid being pocketed by SIGHT WINNER which was to his outside. He said IRON FIST travelled satisfactorily in the run, however, in the Straight did not extend as he thought it would. IRON FIST was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of IRON FIST after the race did not show any significant findings. When questioned regarding the poor performance of MELLIFLUOUS, G Mossé said his mount which was stepping up in distance tonight raced keenly. He said at the 550 Metres when placed under pressure MELLIFLUOUS did not respond as he thought it should and felt somewhat short in its action. MELLIFLUOUS was sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of MELLIFLUOUS after the race did not show any significant findings. Before being allowed to race again, MELLIFLUOUS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. MEDICO, SIGHT WINNER and AMBITIOUS GENERAL were sent for sampling.