23/01/2008  Happy Valley  Race 8

TOM'S SIX and DORDENMA were slow to begin. After the 1600 Metres, SOUNDS BEST was steadied when racing tight inside DISGUISE. After the 800 Metres, CARRIZO CREEK got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of FOKINE while preventing DIAMOND ERA from shifting out. Making the turn at the 600 Metres, DORDENMA bumped the running rail when crowded for room inside ELFHELM. For some distance after the 200 Metres, SOCRATES had difficulty obtaining clear running. For a short distance after the 200 Metres, DORDENMA had difficulty obtaining clear running. Over the concluding stages, SOCRATES and DORDENMA raced tight inside FLUKE. As a result of this, SOCRATES became unbalanced and DORDENMA was not ridden out to the end of the race as it normally would be when being steadied away from the heels of FLUKE. G Boss (CIRCULAR MACHINE) explained he had been instructed to ride his mount in a forward position if possible as it was anticipated the race would be run at a slow tempo. He said accordingly he rode forward in the early stages and when he was unable to obtain a position with cover, he allowed CIRCULAR MACHINE to continue on to cross and race on the rail in the lead. He said CIRCULAR MACHINE ran the race at a tempo to suit itself, however, after entering the Straight failed to respond to his riding, gave ground and was most disappointing. He was not able to offer any explanation for the manner in which CIRCULAR MACHINE finished its race off other than to say he does believe whilst the horse dictated the tempo of tonight’s race, it is better suited when being ridden with cover. SOUNDS BEST and CIRCULAR MACHINE were sent for an official veterinary inspection. A veterinary inspection of SOUNDS BEST and CIRCULAR MACHINE after the race did not show any significant findings. DORDENMA, ELFHELM and DISGUISE were sent for sampling.