19/01/2011  Happy Valley  Race 3

BESPOKE MASTER began awkwardly. SHOWTIME was severely checked shortly after the start when crowded for room between SEA PRINCE which shifted in after beginning awkwardly and TURBO KING which shifted out after being bumped by GOOD LUCK WIN. After this, SEA PRINCE was taken across behind runners. From the outside barrier, RAINBOW SEEKER was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 1100 Metres, WINDICATOR POWER raced tight between PAR EXCELLENCE and SOARING RIVER. Passing the 1100 Metres, REGENCY WINNER was steadied when crowded for room between SUPREME FAY FAY and PAR EXCELLENCE which, when over-racing, was taken in by WINDICATOR POWER which itself was taken in by SOARING RIVER (B Doyle) which got its head on the side and shifted in away from GOOD LUCK WIN. B Doyle was advised in similar circumstances to do everything in his power to prevent his mounts from shifting in. Near the 1000 Metres, PAR EXCELLENCE became unbalanced when crowded for room between SUPREME FAY FAY which was taken out slightly by BESPOKE MASTER and WINDICATOR POWER which at this time raced tight to the inside of SOARING RIVER which was racing tight inside GOOD LUCK WIN. A short distance later, WINDICATOR POWER shifted out, resulting in SOARING ROVER and GOOD LUCK WIN being taken wider. PAR EXCELLENCE proved difficult to settle in the early and middle stages. After making the turn passing the 1000 Metres, BESPOKE MASTER proved difficult to settle. Passing the 200 Metres, BESPOKE MASTER was steadied and REGENCY WINNER crowded for room inside SUPREME FAY FAY (Apprentice C Y Ho) which at this time got its head on the side and shifted in. Apprentice Ho was severely reprimanded and advised that he had failed to make sufficient effort on this occasion to prevent his mount from shifting ground and that in future he would be expected to stop riding and straighten his mounts immediately they commence shifting. After the 200 Metres, D Whyte (SHOWTIME) dropped his right rein. Throughout the race, GOOD LUCK WIN travelled wide and without cover and in the Straight gave ground. When questioned, B Doyle stated that in discussions prior to the race it had been felt that SOARING RIVER would be able to take up a more forward position as the pace did not appear to be overly strong. He said it was intended if possible to have SOARING RIVER, which began from barrier 7, in a position in advance of midfield behind the speed. He said because of this he rode SOARING RIVER positively in the early stages, however, it became apparent to him that he would be left racing wide and for this reason after the 1000 Metres he took hold of his mount and shifted it across behind runners to obtain cover. TURBO KING and TEAM WORK were sent for sampling.