08/01/2014  Happy Valley  Race 7

SUNNY FAY began awkwardly. From a wide barrier, COUR VALANT was taken across behind runners shortly after the start. Near the 1150 Metres, RAINBOW FIGHTER shifted out and bumped TURF MAGIC. Making the first turn approaching the 1000 Metres, SWIFT SHADOW was checked away from the heels of FURIO which got its head on the side and made the turn awkwardly. ALL FRIENDS, which was following, got its head up when being steadied away from the heels of SWIFT SHADOW in consequence. FURIO then continued to race ungenerously for some distance after this and making the turn after the 600 Metres raced with its head on the side and lay out. Passing the 1000 Metres, SUNNY FAY, which was racing keenly, was awkwardly placed close to the heels of RAINBOW FIGHTER. Rounding the Home Turn, SWIFT SHADOW was awkwardly placed behind FURIO. Throughout the race, PROLIFIC CHAMPION travelled wide and without cover. When questioned, B Prebble stated that it had been intended for HAPPY YEAH YEAH to be ridden in a forward position with cover if possible. He said prior to the race he felt that, from barrier 10, in order to obtain a forward position, he may have to race outside the anticipated leader HAWTHORNE. He said when the barriers opened, HAPPY YEAH YEAH was slow to begin and then after being taken across behind runners in the early stages failed to muster speed. He said he rode the horse along rounding the first turn in order to have it make up lost ground, however, HAPPY YEAH YEAH was reluctant to stretch out. He added however that approaching the 600 Metres HAPPY YEAH YEAH, after being ridden along, commenced to travel better and then after following the eventual winner into the Home Straight, HAPPY YEAH YEAH finished off the race strongly. A veterinary inspection of ALL FRIENDS and SWIFT SHADOW immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. RAINBOW FIGHTER and ALL WIN BOY were sent for sampling.