19/09/2012  Happy Valley  Race 6

From a wide barrier, STORM UNICORN was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Shortly after the start, DRAGON PINS momentarily raced tight between CITY OF LIGHTS and WELL DONE which shifted in. After the 1000 Metres, ALL FRIENDS got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of SUNSHINE KID. Near the 700 Metres, ABLE MAGIC was checked away from the heels of ALL FRIENDS which again got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of SUNSHINE KID. Near the 200 Metres, MR AWARD was crowded for room between DRAGON PINS which shifted in slightly and WHITE HART KING which, when giving ground, shifted out. STORM UNICORN, which was following, was hampered in consequence. No further action was taken. When questioned, R Fourie stated that he had been issued identical instructions to those given to him last week when WELL DONE was successful, that being to be positive on the horse in the early stages, however, if another horse was ridden to lead, he should take a sit off that horse rather than become engaged in a speed battle. He said unlike its most recent start when WELL DONE was able to lead unchallenged, tonight OCEAN WIDE, from a wide barrier, showed early speed and after maintaining his position inside of that horse in the early stages, he felt that the tempo of the race was sufficient that he should allow OCEAN WIDE to cross WELL DONE and obtain a position behind that horse. He said when racing to the inside of OCEAN WIDE, WELL DONE commenced to race keenly and he felt that the horse’s best interests would be served by allowing OCEAN WIDE to cross which would benefit WELL DONE in settling better. After the race, K C Leung (STORM UNICORN) reported that the horse did not travel comfortably at any stage of tonight’s race. A veterinary inspection of HECO RIDER and STORM UNICORN after the race did not show any significant findings. OCEAN WIDE and WELL DONE were sent for sampling.