09/05/2012  Happy Valley  Race 5

From wide barriers, SILVER OSMANTHUS and POCKET ROCKETS were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Approaching the 800 Metres, LUCKY RED raced in restricted room between AMEDEO and GOLD EDITION which shifted out. Near the 600 Metres, SILVER OSMANTHUS became unbalanced and lost ground when momentarily crowded for room inside JUN DAO which was taken in by RAINBOW FIGHTER. Near the 100 Metres, FLASHING GUY got its head on the side and shifted in towards the heels of PO CHING KING. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of AMEDEO, T Clark stated that after being loaded the horse became fractious and lunged at the front gates. He said however that the horse took no harm from this incident and began well when the field was released. He said he rode AMEDEO along in the early stages in an endeavour to cross runners to his inside, however, approaching the 800 Metres it became apparent to him that he would not be able to clear LUCKY RED and GOLD EDITION to his inside. He said for this reason he steadied AMEDEO and took a trailing position behind LUCKY RED. He added after obtaining a position one off behind the leaders, AMEDEO came under pressure near the 500 Metres and, despite being ridden along, did not respond to his riding thereafter and was most disappointing. A veterinary inspection of AMEDEO and LUCKY RED after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that RAINBOW FIGHTER had lost its left front plate. GOLD EDITION and LOADS OF JOY were sent for sampling.