27/02/2013  Happy Valley  Race 4

MAKE IT was slow to begin. From wide barriers, JUN HAO, TURF MAGIC and DIAMOND ELEGANCE were taken across behind runners shortly after the start. After the 900 Metres, EASY SUCCESS proved very difficult to settle, got its head on the side and shifted in when being checked away from the heels of SHAHJEE, resulting in DIAMOND START becoming unbalanced when crowded for room inside EASY SUCCESS. MAKE IT, which was following, was hampered in consequence. Near the 200 Metres, DIAMOND ELEGANCE was shifted out away from the heels of SMART MAN. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of SMART MAN, which was having its first start at Happy Valley tonight, T Clark stated that due to the rail placement he had been asked to ride the horse in about 3rd or 4th position if possible. He said SMART MAN began only fairly and he rode his mount along in the early stages, however, it soon became apparent to him that, from barrier 8, he would not be able to obtain a position with cover. He said when travelling in a midfield position three wide and without cover, SMART MAN commenced to over-race passing the 900 Metres and travelled keenly for some distance after this. He added however that the horse also raced keenly at its most recent start. He said, in his opinion, SMART MAN handled the Happy Valley circuit well, however, came under pressure passing the 500 Metres and did not finish off the race as it had at its previous two starts. He added whilst the horse travelled three wide and without cover, he felt that the principal reason for SMART MAN’s disappointing performance could be attributed to the fact that the horse had had hard runs at its two previous starts and that it may not have backed up following those two runs. A veterinary inspection of SMART MAN immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. A veterinary inspection of DREAM BUILDER immediately following the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm. Before being allowed to race again, DREAM BUILDER will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. A veterinary inspection of EASY SUCCESS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. SMART MAN, GOLD RACER and SHAHJEE were sent for sampling.