22/01/2014  Happy Valley  Race 5

VERY WELL was slow to begin. OYSTER, which became fractious just prior to the start being effected, began awkwardly. When being steadied with a view to being taken across behind runners from the outside barrier, LITTLE RAINFOREST proved difficult to settle and got its head up on a number of occasions. Shortly after the start, ONE OF A KIND, which began only fairly after being fractious in the barriers, was crowded for room along with JUN JU between TWIN TURBO and YEUNG SING which shifted in after being brushed by BLOSSOM DAILY. Passing the 1600 Metres, ONE OF A KIND was awkwardly placed close to the heels of TWIN TURBO. Passing the winning post on the first occasion, GOOD THINKER shifted in of its own accord and made contact with the running rail. Also passing the winning post on the first occasion, TWIN TURBO brushed the running rail when momentarily racing in restricted room inside BLOSSOM DAILY. SPLENDID VICTORY proved very difficult to settle in the lead in the early and middle stages despite the efforts of its rider. Passing the 600 Metres, VERY WELL was initially crowded for room inside ONE OF A KIND (D Whyte) which shifted in. VERY WELL then continued to race tight inside ONE OF A KIND which near the 550 Metres was taken in slightly by YEUNG SING which shifted ground. D Whyte was reprimanded and advised to ensure that he leaves comfortable racing room for runners to his inside in future. Approaching the 200 Metres, JUN JU was bumped by OYSTER which shifted out. Passing the 200 Metres, J Moreira (TWIN TURBO) dropped his left rein. For the majority of the race, FLUKE travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding the performance of JUN JU, Z Purton stated that his mount began very awkwardly and blundered. He said after being crowded for room by runners to his outside shortly after the start, JUN JU was obliged to race back behind midfield. He said JUN JU travelled strongly in the early and middle stages and when the pace of the race quickened after the 700 Metres JUN JU initially responded well to his riding. He said however that JUN JU came under heavy pressure prior to the Home Turn and weakened in the early part of the Straight. He added after becoming unbalanced when bumped by OYSTER, he eased the horse down over the final 150 Metres as it was well beaten at this time. A veterinary inspection of JUN JU immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. The performance of JUN JU, which also proved difficult to load, was considered unacceptable. Before being allowed to race again, JUN JU will be required to perform to the satisfaction of the Stewards in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. TWIN TURBO and ONE OF A KIND were sent for sampling.