18/04/2012  Happy Valley  Race 7

ENTHUSING was withdrawn on 16.4.12 by order of the Stewards acting on veterinary advice (lame left fore) and was replaced by Standby Declared Starter FLYING UNICORN. Before being allowed to race again, ENTHUSING will be subjected to an official veterinary examination. LEGEND EXPRESS was slow to begin. From the outside barrier, FLYING IN was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. JIMSON THE BEST raced wide and without cover until near the 900 Metres at which time the horse improved to race outside the lead. After the 900 Metres, JUN HUA was left racing wide and without cover. In the early part of the Straight, FLYING IN had difficulty obtaining clear running and near the 200 Metres was steadied when disappointed for running between FLYING UNICORN and HORSE APLENTY which shifted out. After this, FLYING IN continued to be held up for clear running until the concluding stages. Because of this, FLYING IN was not able to be properly tested. Approaching the 200 Metres, STRAIGHT FORWARD was shifted to the inside of ZACHARY to obtain clear running. Also approaching the 200 Metres, HORSE APLENTY was shifted out after being held up for clear running behind JIMSON THE BEST which was commencing to give ground. Passing the 200 Metres, JUN HUA, which was commencing to give ground, was steadied away from the heels of DREAM BUILDER (M Du Plessis) which shifted out when not quite clear. M Du Plessis was advised to exercise care when shifting ground in future. When questioned regarding the performance of LUCKY WARRIOR, B Prebble stated that he had intended for the horse to be positioned in the first three. He said however that the tempo of the race in the early stages was quick and because of this LUCKY WARRIOR, despite being ridden along, got further back in the field than had been intended. He said because of the circumstances of tonight’s race, LUCKY WARRIOR did not travel at any stage and came under pressure prior to the Home Turn. He added in the early part of the Straight LUCKY WARRIOR commenced to respond to his riding and, in his opinion, was going to finish off the race satisfactorily, however, he was obliged to steady LUCKY WARRIOR near the 200 Metres when attempting a tight run between FLUKE which shifted in slightly and JUN HUA which shifted out. He said although after this incident LUCKY WARRIOR closed off the race only fairly, in his opinion, if not for this interference, LUCKY WARRIOR would have finished closer to the placegetters. A veterinary inspection of JIMSON THE BEST, LUCKY WARRIOR, DANEWIN WINNING and JUN HUA after the race did not show any significant findings. HORSE APLENTY, STRAIGHT FORWARD and ZACHARY were sent for sampling.