07/02/2024  Happy Valley  Race 2

PRECISE EXPRESS (D198): Jumped awkwardly and then was crowded shortly after the start. Leaving the 1400 Metres was steadied when racing tight to the inside of SHARPEN BRIGHT which lay in. WONDER YEARS (G001): Slow to begin. When questioned regarding his riding from the 800 Metres, K De Melo stated that he was given the option if the pace of the event allowed him to do so, he should commenced a forward move in the Back Straight as the horse often does. He said he was also given the option if he was able to obtain a trail behind another runner to improve into the race, he should take advantage of that. He said from the 800 Metres he commenced a forward move and shifted to the outside of SERANGOON. He further stated that leaving the 700 Metres SERANGOON then shifted out and, bearing in mind his instructions, he looked to obtain a trailing position behind that runner. He stated when SERANGOON did not continue forward, this resulted in WONDER YEARS being caught wide at which point he recommenced riding his mount along near the 500 Metres after which WONDER YEARS hung out and did not run on in the Home Straight. Trainer D J Whyte confirmed the instructions issued and in particular stated that Jockey De Melo was asked to obtain a trailing position into the Home Straight if possible. Mr Whyte further added that, in his opinion, WONDER YEARS may not have appreciated backing up within 10 days from its previous race start. A veterinary inspection immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. ROMANTIC FANTASY (H168): After the race, A Badel reported that he was asked to ride his mount where comfortable and was able to lead in the early stages without having to pressure ROMANTIC FANTASY to do so. Sent for sampling post-race. SERANGOON (H296): No report. RUNNING AHEAD (G313): Approaching the 1900 Metres commenced to race keenly and got its head up when being steadied away from HAPPY HERO. JUBILATION (G029): No report. SHARPEN BRIGHT (H276): Near the 300 Metres lay in and shifted in abruptly, resulting in its rider Z Purton having to correct his mount. Sent for sampling post-race. READY PLAYER ONE (G143): From the outside barrier was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. PALACE PAL (G172): Near the 300 Metres was steadied away from SHARPEN BRIGHT which shifted in abruptly when being corrected by its rider Z Purton. HAPPY HERO (G322): No report. MR ALADDIN (H386): Withdrawn on 6.2.24 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right hind). Before being allowed to race again, MR ALADDIN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.