12/09/2012  Happy Valley  Race 2

AMBASSADORSHIP was crowded for room at the start between SECRET OF WINNING and GOLDEN BAUHINIA which was taken out by SOUTHCHINA CENTURY which began awkwardly and shifted out. In this incident, AMBASSADORSHIP bumped SECRET OF WINNING which became unbalanced. FORTUNE TERRITORY was slow to begin. FRIENDS OF YAN OI was tardy to begin and then despite being ridden along in the early stages did not muster speed. A short distance after the start, SECRET OF WINNING and CHINA GOOD bumped. Approaching the 600 Metres, SECRET OF WINNING got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of FLASHING GUY. After the 200 Metres, FORTUNE TERRITORY got its head on the side and lay in and after the 100 Metres was shifted away from the heels of HEARTLAND. For the majority of the race, TAKE THE RAP and FRIENDS OF YAN OI travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of HEARTLAND, B Prebble stated that in accordance with his instructions, he rode HEARTLAND along vigorously in the early stages in an attempt to obtain a forward position. He said despite this HEARTLAND did not show sufficient early speed to take up the intended position and was obliged to race in about a midfield position. He said after racing wide, he was able to shift HEARTLAND in behind FLASHING GUY with cover approaching the 500 Metres, however, HEARTLAND quickly came under pressure and did not finish off the race. He added that, in his opinion, HEARTLAND may not have appreciated having use made of it in the early stages and because of this he recommended to connections that they give consideration to trying HEARTLAND over a distance of further than tonight’s race and also to give consideration to riding the horse more conservatively. A veterinary inspection of HEARTLAND after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of FRIENDS OF YAN OI after the race including an endoscopic examination showed a substantial amount of mucopus in the horse’s trachea. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that GOLDEN BAUHINIA had lost its right hind plate. SUPER FRESH and GOLDEN BAUHINIA were sent for sampling.