28/11/2012  Happy Valley  Race 3

ABLE DRAGON and MEGA CASTLE bumped at the start. FORTUNE COOKIE was slow to begin. Shortly after the start, SUPREME TYCOON was crowded for room between EUPHEMISM and HUMONGUS which shifted in. After this, HUMONGUS was taken across behind runners. Near the 1600 Metres, FORTUNE COOKIE shifted in when proving difficult to settle and in doing so bumped ABLE DRAGON which became unbalanced. Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, TOP POWER was checked away from the heels of MEDIC CHAMPION (U Rispoli) which shifted in when not sufficiently clear. U Rispoli was reprimanded and advised to ensure he is sufficiently clear when shifting ground in future. MIRAGE R, which was following TOP POWER, was steadied away from the heels of that horse in consequence. Passing the 200 Metres, MOUNT VICTORY and MIRAGE R bumped as MOUNT VICTORY was shifted in in an attempt to obtain clear running. As a result of this contact, both horses became unbalanced. For the remainder of the race, MIRAGE R and MOUNT VICTORY raced tight as MOUNT VICTORY continued to attempt to improve into tight running inside MEDIC CHAMPION which shifted in under pressure. In this incident, MIRAGE R was bumped on a number of occasions by MOUNT VICTORY when being taken in. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of TOP POWER, B Prebble stated that his mount was not able to quicken when the tempo increased after the 700 Metres. He said after this TOP POWER came off the bridle and despite being ridden out in the Straight weakened over the final 200 Metres. He added that although TOP POWER had raced well at its last start over the course and distance, he felt that the horse may be better suited to races that are run at a more genuine tempo than tonight’s race. A veterinary inspection of TOP POWER after the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of ABLE DRAGON after the race did not show any significant findings. TOP POWER, MEDIC CHAMPION and SUPREME TYCOON were sent for sampling.