12/02/2014  Happy Valley  Race 1

JUST GOOD began very awkwardly and bumped the hindquarters of TIPPERARY DAVOR, resulting in JUST GOOD losing ground. BOLERO, which was leaning on the outside of its stall, was slow to begin. From a wide barrier, CHINA GOOD was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Shortly after the start, FLYING KEEPER was hampered by HAPPY GOAL which shifted out after being bumped by SPICY SHRIMP. Passing the 900 Metres, ORIENTAL FANTASIA raced tight between MEGA and HAPPY GOAL which shifted in. Again passing the 800 Metres, ORIENTAL FANTASIA raced tight between MEGA and HAPPY GOAL. Approaching and passing the 600 Metres, ORIENTAL FANTASIA proved difficult to settle and was awkwardly placed close to the heels of MEGA. Near the 600 Metres, HAPPY GOAL was left racing wide and without cover. After the 500 Metres, GRACYTOM got its head on the side and lay out. Near the 150 Metres, HAPPY GOAL was shifted away from the heels of ORIENTAL FANTASIA which was taken out by CHINA GOOD which shifted out into clear running. When questioned regarding his riding of MEGA in the early part of the Straight, M Demuro stated he had been aware that GRACYTOM, which was racing in advance of MEGA, was hanging out when making the Home Turn. He said therefore at the entrance to the Straight he elected to obtain a run to the inside of that horse rather than shift outside GRACYTOM's heels and risk being taken wider, costing MEGA ground. He said after being momentarily awkwardly placed close to the heels of GRACYTOM which commenced to give ground, he established running between that horse and FLYING KEEPER. He added for a short distance passing the 200 Metres MEGA raced tight between GRACYTOM and FLYING KEEPER but then had clear running to the finishing line. SPICY SHRIMP and FLYING KEEPER were sent for sampling.