21/11/2012  Happy Valley  Race 1

LIVERPOOL LAD and EPEE DE HUA were crowded for room at the start between MEGABUCKS and SOLAR WONDER which shifted out. FAIRY DRAGON shifted out at the start, resulting in CREATIVE UNION being taken out onto the hindquarters of FASTALOT, resulting in that horse being taken out onto IDYLLIC WIND, causing that horse to be crowded for room inside BINGO BINGO which also became badly unbalanced in the incident. From the outside barrier, DIAMOND RAINBOW was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. After being crossed by FASTALOT near the 800 Metres, CREATIVE UNION commenced to over-race and proved difficult to settle. CREATIVE UNION continued to over-race and approaching the 600 Metres got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of IDYLLIC WIND. Near the 550 Metres, MEGABUCKS got its head up when awkwardly placed close to the heels of FASCINATING SMILE and in doing so shifted out towards the heels of FASTALOT. After the 300 Metres, FASTALOT and MEGABUCKS bumped and were taken wider by FASCINATING SMILE which shifted to the outside of ASMODAI to obtain clear running. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of FASTALOT, Z Purton stated that at its first up run this season the horse travelled strongly throughout the race, however, in tonight’s race was always off the bridle and did not travel as well. He said as far out as the 700 Metres the horse was under pressure to maintain its position and had to be ridden along from the 500 Metres in order to continue to hold its position. He said despite being ridden along, FASTALOT did not respond to his riding and although the horse became unbalanced in the Straight when bumped by MEGABUCKS, it was very disappointing, particularly in comparison with the manner in which it travelled in its first up race this season. A veterinary inspection of FASTALOT after the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of FASTALOT, a favourite in this race, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, FASTALOT will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of DIAMOND RAINBOW after the race did not show any significant findings. FASTALOT, ASMODAI and FASCINATING SMILE were sent for sampling.