27/03/2013  Happy Valley  Race 4

SPEEDYGONZALEZ, which was fractious in the barriers, was slow to begin. From a wide barrier, EASTERN PROMISE was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Approaching the 1100 Metres, ST YAZIN was steadied away from the heels of HANDSOME HANDSOME. Passing the 700 Metres, GOLD BALL got its head up on a number of occasions when being awkwardly placed close to the heels of SPEEDYGONZALEZ which itself was awkwardly placed close to the heels of KICK SERVE when travelling keenly. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, ST YAZIN got its head on the side and lay out. Shortly after entering the Straight, SPEEDYGONZALEZ was shifted to the inside of KICK SERVE to continue improving. Near the 250 Metres, ST YAZIN shifted in and was awkwardly placed outside the heels of KICK SERVE which got its head on the side and shifted out slightly. After the 200 Metres, CROESUS shifted out under pressure, resulting in HANDSOME HANDSOME being inconvenienced when obliged to shift out with that horse. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of KICK SERVE, O Doleuze stated that after its most recent start he had suggested to the connections that they freshen up the horse. He said he rode the horse in a piece of work in the lead up to tonight’s race and, in his opinion, that work was good and he felt that the break between runs had benefited KICK SERVE. He said tonight he had to make use of KICK SERVE in the early stages to obtain a relatively forward position, however, KICK SERVE did not travel well and he was unable to prevent ST YAZIN from shifting in in advance of KICK SERVE near the 800 Metres. He said KICK SERVE continued to travel only fairly and after being placed under pressure well prior to the Home Turn, KICK SERVE did not finish off the race. He added after the race he suggested that KICK SERVE may be better suited in a race over a longer distance than that of tonight’s event. A veterinary inspection of KICK SERVE immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. ALL FRIENDS and CROESUS were sent for sampling.