19/02/2014  Happy Valley  Race 6

BEAUTY AHEAD was slow to begin. GETAWAY GUY began awkwardly. From wide barriers, TOPSPIN EXPRESS and CHEERS JOY were taken across behind runners in the early stages. At the entrance to the Back Straight near the 1000 Metres, TOPSPIN EXPRESS got its head up when awkwardly placed inside the heels of VICTORIUS. Making the first turn after the 1000 Metres, LAUGH OUT LOUD was checked away from the heels of POLYMER WIN. Near the 900 Metres, BEAUTY AHEAD was steadied away from the heels of HIGHEST ACCLAIM which, after getting its head on the side and shifting out, then shifted back in when awkwardly placed inside the heels of GETAWAY GUY. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, LAUGH OUT LOUD got its head on the side and was awkwardly placed inside the heels of REGENCY LUCK. For the majority of the race, MY GOAL travelled wide and without cover. When questioned regarding his riding of HIGHEST ACCLAIM, Z Purton stated that he was not under any specific instructions other than to have the horse racing where it was comfortable. He said it was felt that, from barrier 4, he would be in a position in about 5th or 6th if the horse began well. He said HIGHEST ACCLAIM began fairly, however, MY GOAL and REGENCY LUCK, which were drawn around HIGHEST ACCLAIM, clearly showed more speed in the early stages and he felt that it would not be in the best interests of HIGHEST ACCLAIM to be ridden along at this time. He said therefore he elected to steady HIGHEST ACCLAIM to obtain a position with cover behind initially REGENCY LUCK and then LAUGH OUT LOUD. He said the tempo of the race slackened approaching the 1000 Metres and HIGHEST ACCLAIM commenced to race keenly and shift out away from the heels of LAUGH OUT LOUD. He said after this HIGHEST ACCLAIM was awkwardly placed inside the heels of GETAWAY GUY which shifted in. He added HIGHEST ACCLAIM travelled satisfactorily in the middle stages, but when placed under pressure in the Straight did not quicken and finished off the race only one-paced. He said over the concluding stages HIGHEST ACCLAIM was awkwardly placed inside the heels of REGENCY LUCK (A Suborics) which shifted in. In relation to this incident, A Suborics was reminded of his obligation to stop riding and straighten his mounts when they shift ground. A veterinary inspection of HIGHEST ACCLAIM and GETAWAY GUY immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. YOU READ MY MIND and POLYMER WIN were sent for sampling.