01/02/2012  Happy Valley  Race 8

OSVALDO shifted out at the start and bumped BANKSTERS BONUS. From the outside barrier, HAPPY TUMBLER was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. In the early and middle stages, FREE JUDGEMENT travelled wide and without cover and after the 800 Metres was allowed to improve into a more forward position, however, continued to remain racing wide and without cover. After the 1000 Metres, JAMESINA was awkwardly placed close to the heels of RIO WILLIE. After this, JAMESINA proved difficult to settle. When questioned, Apprentice C Y Ho (HOLIDAY SUN) stated that after the 900 Metres he was positioned behind BUSINESS AS USUAL and he felt that he was maintaining a position one horse off the fence behind that horse. He said he was unaware that by remaining behind BUSINESS AS USUAL that HOLIDAY SUN had shifted away from a position one horse off the fence which allowed OSVALDO to shift out and obtain a position to the inside of HOLIDAY SUN. He said making the turn after the 600 Metres HOLIDAY SUN raced tight between OSVALDO and RIO WILLIE which lay in and because of this HOLIDAY SUN was not able to continue to maintain its position between those horses. Apprentice Ho was advised to ensure that where circumstances permit he maintains advantageous positions and does not allow other runners to improve their positions at his own expense. After the race, B Prebble voiced concern regarding BUSINESS AS USUAL’s action. A veterinary inspection of BUSINESS AS USUAL, HOT SHOT and HOLIDAY SUN after the race did not show any significant findings. MR BOND, OSVALDO and REGENCY WINNER were sent for sampling.