23/12/2009  Happy Valley  Race 7

TIGER PRAWN was withdrawn on 22.12.09 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame right fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter OCEAN WIDE (A Gryder). Before being allowed to race again, TIGER PRAWN will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. Shortly after the start, NORMAN INVADER was steadied when crowded for room between FRIENDLY GAINS and HOLI RAVIOLI which shifted out slightly. Near the 1100 Metres, MI REILLY was steadied away from the heels of ULTRA FANTASY which itself was taken out slightly by OCEAN WIDE which shifted out to relieve the tightening to POT OF GOLD to its inside. A Gryder was severely reprimanded for permitting his mount to shift in making the first turn when insufficiently clear of POT OF GOLD, resulting in that horse having to be checked away from the heels of OCEAN WIDE. When POT OF GOLD was checked, it got its head up, shifted out and bumped ULTRA FANTASY. Also making the first turn, VITAL FLYER proved difficult to settle and got its head up when being checked away from the heels of FRIENDLY GAINS. Near the 900 Metres, FRIENDLY GAINS, which was being steadied to allow ULTRA FANTASY (J Winks) to shift in, was checked away from the heels of that horse which shifted in when barely clear. J Winks was advised to ensure that he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in future. After the 700 Metres, POT OF GOLD was left racing wide and without cover. For some distance approaching and passing the 600 Metres, NORMAN INVADER was awkwardly placed close to the heels of HOLI RAVIOLI and then approaching the 500 Metres was checked after improving between HOLI RAVIOLI and VITAL FLYER where there was insufficient room. In this incident, VITAL FLYER was bumped on a number of occasions by NORMAN INVADER. Near the 150 Metres, ISLAND SUPER and MI REILLY brushed as ISLAND SUPER improved into a tight run between that horse and VITAL FLYER which was taken out slightly by NORMAN INVADER. Over the final 100 Metres, CONFUCIUS CLASSIC was not able to obtain clear running and consequently was not tested. Over the concluding stages, ULTRA FANTASY raced tight between OCEAN WIDE and SUNNY GOLF. When questioned, W Pike (HOLI RAVIOLI) said on entering the Back Straight he was trailing OCEAN WIDE. He added at this time the tempo of the race was genuine. He said approaching the 800 Metres OCEAN WIDE increased the tempo and he elected, rather than ride his mount along to remain racing on the back of OCEAN WIDE, to keep his mount balanced to ensure that it was able to finish off the race. He said as a consequence ULTRA FANTASY was able to shift in and assume the position behind OCEAN WIDE and in front of HOLI RAVIOLI. VITAL FLYER, NORMAL INVADER and ISLAND SUPER were sent for sampling.