04/01/2012  Happy Valley  Race 3

SUISSE D’OR began awkwardly. PERFECT TEN was checked when crowded for room at the start between GREAT SHOW and PROSPERITY which shifted in. Shortly after the start, WINNING PAL was steadied when crowded for room between TELECOM SUPREMO and SOMETHING SPECIAL, both of which shifted ground. At the entrance to the Straight, PERFECT TEN raced tight between TELECOM SUPREMO and VILASOL which shifted out. Then passing the 200 Metres, PERFECT TEN was shifted in away from the heels of BULLISH POWER which was commencing to give ground and in doing so bumped VILASOL. When questioned, G Cheyne stated that he had been instructed to lead on SUISSE D’OR, however, if another runner was intent on leading, he should hand up and allow that horse to cross. He said in the early stages he allowed SUISSE D’OR to obtain a forward position with PROSPERITY to its outside. He said approaching the winning post on the first occasion he formed the view that PROSPERITY was being ridden along to obtain the lead and as he thought the tempo of the race at this stage was fair, he elected to allow PROSPERITY to cross to the lead before shifting to the outside of that horse’s heels near the 1200 Metres. When questioned, M Guyon stated that he had been asked to allow MARK GOOD to begin and have the horse racing where it was comfortable. He said it was explained to him that MARK GOOD is somewhat one-paced and if he was able to obtain a forward position on MARK GOOD without having to make too much use of the horse, he should do so. He said after beginning well he allowed MARK GOOD to improve into a forward position, however, he was not able to shift in to a position closer than three wide with cover due to SUISSE D’OR shifting to the outside of PROSPERITY near the 1200 Metres. He added after travelling wide and without cover, MARK GOOD gave ground in the Straight. The performance of MARK GOOD, which finished tailed out, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, MARK GOOD will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of PERFECT TEN after the race did not show any significant findings. PERFECT TEN, PROSPERITY and SUISSE D’OR were sent for sampling.